What is Mallet Finger?

Mallet finger is a condition caused by an injury to the extensor tendon at the distal interphalangeal joint, which is frequently caused by a forceful flexion or overbending at the distal interphalangeal joint when actively extended (e.g. When you were catching a ball or playing volleyball or basketball, you were hit by a ball.). Injury to the extensor tendon, which is responsible for straightening the tip of your finger or thumb, results in an inability to extend the distal phalanx.

Initially, the finger is painful and swollen around the distal interphalangeal joint, and it is bent and cannot be straightened voluntarily.

Mallet finger damage is occasionally along with open wounds or fractures.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT OF MALLET FINGER-

When an injury occurs, administer ice to the area and keep the hand raised.

Then, see a doctor for an evaluation and treatment of your illness.

The splint will be worn for approximately 7-9 weeks. 6 weeks of full-time splinting is required, followed by 2-3 weeks of night splinting.

The day following the injury, begin active ROM exercises for the proximal interphalangeal joint.

From the sixth week, increasing ROM training of the distal interphalangeal joint begins.

Exercising your finger flexors.

Lumbrical strength training.

Ultrasound treatment

High-intensity class 4 laser therapy.

The majority of mallet finger injuries are treatable without surgery. When a mallet finger injury has a significant bone fragment or the joint is not adequately aligned.  Surgery may be considered. Wires or tiny screws are utilized to straighten the joint in these circumstances.

In the case of delayed or non-treatment, either of these complications can develop following nonsurgical or surgical care of mallet fractures.

• Residual extensor lag (noted on physical exam)
• Swan neck deformities (due to a disruption of the volar plate produced by a ruptured extensor tendon, causing the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint to become abnormally flexed and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint to stay hyperextended).