Mallet finger is a deformity in which the tip of the finger droops involuntarily due to an injury to the extensor tendon responsible for straightening it. It most commonly occurs as a result of a blow to the finger, such as might occur during a collision or a sporting event. The force of the blow tears the tendon, sometimes causing injury to the bone in the process. Because there is the possibility of more extensive damage, it is important to have mallet finger diagnosed and treated by a skilled hand and wrist surgeon in a timely manner. Dr. Raj Sungaran provides expert diagnosis and treatment of mallet finger at his Caringbah practice, serving the Sutherland Shire, South-Eastern Sydney, and other parts of New South Wales.
If you have sustained a mallet finger injury, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sungaran by contacting Southern Hand & Wrist today.
What causes mallet finger?
The extensor tendons are what allow you to straighten your fingers. They are located near the surface of your skin on the top of your hand. Anything that causes an extensor tendon to be severed near the tip of the finger will result in mallet finger. While this cause is most commonly a blow to the finger, it can also be a cut or even minor force.
What are the symptoms of mallet finger?
The most apparent symptom of mallet finger is the drooping fingertip which cannot be fully straightened under its own strength. There is also likely to be pain, along with possible swelling and bruising. Blood may also collect beneath the fingernail.
It is important to note that, while people with mallet finger will lose the ability to straighten the tip of their finger completely, they may maintain some ability to move the fingertip. Because of this, some people assume their injuries to be less severe than they actually are. While mallet finger does not generally require surgery on its own, injuries to the bone might. If left undiagnosed and untreated, bone injuries can become worse over time, resulting in damage that may be irreparable.
All mallet finger injuries should be taken seriously, and timely diagnosis should be sought. However, it is especially important to seek treatment when the injury is accompanied by swelling and bruising, as these may be signs of a bone fracture.
How is mallet finger diagnosed?
The diagnosis of mallet finger is a relatively straightforward affair, generally requiring no more than a physical examination. Dr. Sungaran performs a simple test to gauge the patient’s ability to straighten the affected fingertip without assistance. However, Dr. Sungaran usually also orders x-rays to determine whether any damage occurred to the nearby bones.
How is mallet finger treated non-surgically?
As long as there is no injury to the nearby bones, mallet finger is nearly always treated non-surgically. The severed tendon will heal on its own; however, the finger must remain absolutely straight and stable as it does. To ensure this, patients must wear a splint on the affected finger full-time, usually for a period of about eight weeks. After that, a splint will be worn for several hours a day for a further three to four weeks.
After patients complete splint therapy, Dr. Sungaran refers them to one of the several trusted hand therapists with whom he works exclusively. Hand therapy allows patients to restore strength and function to their affected finger. It should be noted, however, that some patients never fully regain the ability to extend the tip of their finger, though this is usually a cosmetic rather than functional issue.
How is mallet finger treated surgically?
While there are instances in which it may be advisable to surgically repair the torn extensor tendon, it is generally not recommended. Such tendon repair usually requires a tendon graft using tissues from another part of the body, which should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
However, if Dr. Sungaran determines that bone damage occurred as a result of the incident that caused the injury, he may recommend surgery. Common bone injuries that accompany mallet finger include bone fragments, bone fractures, and joint misalignment. Dr. Sungaran can surgically repair or realign the bone as necessary.
After an appropriate recovery period, patients who undergo surgery will commence hand therapy to restore strength and dexterity to their affected finger.
Learn More about the Treatment of Mallet Finger
If you have sustained a mallet finger injury, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jai Sungaran at one of our three Sutherland Shire offices in Caringbah and Sydney Olympic Park.
