Mallet Finger term used for a disruption of the terminal extensor tendon in the finger. This is a closed finger tendon injury at the tip of the finger, or the distal phalanx. The tendon that ruptures, or pulls off the bone, is responsible for extending the tip of the finger at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint).

• Occurs when there is a flexion force at the tip of the finger including: 
  • Jamming in sports (basketball, baseball)
  • Crushing injury at work 
  • Often occurs from jamming your finger while putting sheets on a bed

• Pain, swelling, bruising, or tenderness over the tip of the finger, especially if the injury is associated with a fracture of the bone
• “Drooping” of the tip of the finger, or the inability to straighten the joint (DIP joint)

• Use caution when participating in sports to avoid jammed fingers
• Wear your splint as directed by your healthcare provider to prevent re-injury
• Take care not to use the tips of your fingers to put sheets on the bed and avoid the pushing or jamming motion during this task

• Typically treated non-surgically with casting or splinting the DIP joint in full extension for 6-8 weeks continuously
• Splint or cast is changed by a healthcare professional such as the physician or hand therapist to ensure finger is held in a straight position during cast change as well
• After 6-8 weeks, the splint is transitioned to resistant activities and night time wear for another 4-6 weeks
• Patient is educated on activity modification to avoid use of the injured hand to allow for healing of the tendon to occur
• If the fracture that is associated with the tendon is too large or if there is a simultaneous nail bed injury, surgery may be required to repair the bone or nail bed
• Typically, if treated early, no long term difficulties arise. However, if treatment is delayed, there may be an extension lag in the tip of the finger or inability to fully straighten the tip of the finger. A swan neck deformity, which is described on a subsequent page, may also occur due to tendon imbalances

• Typically treated non-surgically with casting or splinting the DIP joint in full extension for 6-8 weeks continuously
• Splint or cast is changed by a healthcare professional such as the physician or hand therapist to ensure finger is held in a straight position during cast change as well
• After 6-8 weeks, the splint is transitioned to resistant activities and night time wear for another 4-6 weeks
• Patient is educated on activity modification to avoid use of the injured hand to allow for healing of the tendon to occur
• If the fracture that is associated with the tendon is too large or if there is a simultaneous nail bed injury, surgery may be required to repair the bone or nail bed
• Typically, if treated early, no long term difficulties arise. However, if treatment is delayed, there may be an extension lag in the tip of the finger or inability to fully straighten the tip of the finger. A swan neck deformity, which is described on a subsequent page, may also occur due to tendon imbalances