Mallet finger: Difference between revisions

 
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==Background==
==Background==
*Rupture of extensor tendon in area of distal phalanx distal to DIP joint
[[File:PMC4807168 aps-43-134-g001.png|thumb|Possible mechanisms of injury from axial force applied to the tip of a straight digit (black arrows) causing: (top) DIP joint hyperextension (white upper arrow) and fracture, or (bottom) DIP hyperflexion (lower white arrow) and tendon lesion.]]
**May be accompanied by avulsion fracture
[[File:PMC4807168 aps-43-134-g004.png|thumb|Mallet finger injury types (Tubiana classification system).]]
*Caused by forced flexion of the DIP joint
*May be accompanied by avulsion fracture
*Caused by forced flexion of extended DIP joint
*If untreated, leads to [[swan neck deformity]]


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
[[File:Mallet finger.jpg|thumb|Finger in maximum extension]]
[[File:Mallet finger.jpg|thumb|Finger in maximum extension]]
*Results in DIP joint flexed 40'
*Rupture of extensor tendon in area of distal phalanx distal to DIP joint
*Untreated leads to swan neck deformity
*DIP joint flexed to 40°, unable to fully extend
**Flexed DIP
**Hyperextended PIP


==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
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==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==
===Workup===
[[File:Mallet finger.png|thumb|Mallet finger without fracture]]
[[File:Mallet finger.png|thumb|Mallet finger without fracture]]
[[File:MalletFinger.png|thumb|Mallet finger with fracture at the insertion of the extensor tendon]]
[[File:MalletFinger.png|thumb|Mallet finger with fracture at the insertion of the extensor tendon]]
*Finger x-ray (PA and lateral)
*Clinical diagnosis
 
*Consider finger x-ray (PA and lateral) to evaluate for avulsion fracture
===Diagnosis===
The injured digit will be often held in flexion with an inability to extend. The diagnosis is clinical although an avulsion fracture should also be ruled out.


==Management==
==Management==
*Splint DIP joint in continuous slight hyperextension x 6wk
*Splint DIP joint in continuous slight hyperextension x 6 wk
*Splinting of the PIP joint is not necessary<ref>Katzman B et al. Immobilization of the mallet finger: effects of the extensor tendon. J Hand Surg Br. 1992; 24(1):80-84</ref>
*Splinting of the PIP joint is not necessary and should be avoided<ref>Katzman B et al. Immobilization of the mallet finger: effects of the extensor tendon. J Hand Surg Br. 1992; 24(1):80-84</ref>
**Inadvertently splinting PIP for 6 weeks results in collateral ligamentous overgrowth and functional disability<ref>Prosser R. Splinting in the management of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture. J Hand Ther. 1996 Oct-Dec;9(4):378-86.</ref>
*Give an extra splint
*Give an extra splint
*Hand surgery follow-up in 7-10 days
 
[[File:Splint1.jpg|thumb|Special Mallet finger splint (if available)]]
 
==Disposition==
*Discharge with hand surgery follow-up in 7-10 days


==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Radiograph-Negative Hand and Finger Injuries]]
*[[Hand and finger diagnoses]]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Sports Medicine]]

Latest revision as of 18:05, 15 March 2023

Background

Possible mechanisms of injury from axial force applied to the tip of a straight digit (black arrows) causing: (top) DIP joint hyperextension (white upper arrow) and fracture, or (bottom) DIP hyperflexion (lower white arrow) and tendon lesion.
Mallet finger injury types (Tubiana classification system).
  • May be accompanied by avulsion fracture
  • Caused by forced flexion of extended DIP joint
  • If untreated, leads to swan neck deformity

Clinical Features

Finger in maximum extension
  • Rupture of extensor tendon in area of distal phalanx distal to DIP joint
  • DIP joint flexed to 40°, unable to fully extend

Differential Diagnosis

Hand and finger injuries

Evaluation

Mallet finger without fracture
Mallet finger with fracture at the insertion of the extensor tendon
  • Clinical diagnosis
  • Consider finger x-ray (PA and lateral) to evaluate for avulsion fracture

Management

  • Splint DIP joint in continuous slight hyperextension x 6 wk
  • Splinting of the PIP joint is not necessary and should be avoided[1]
    • Inadvertently splinting PIP for 6 weeks results in collateral ligamentous overgrowth and functional disability[2]
  • Give an extra splint
Special Mallet finger splint (if available)

Disposition

  • Discharge with hand surgery follow-up in 7-10 days

See Also

References

  1. Katzman B et al. Immobilization of the mallet finger: effects of the extensor tendon. J Hand Surg Br. 1992; 24(1):80-84
  2. Prosser R. Splinting in the management of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture. J Hand Ther. 1996 Oct-Dec;9(4):378-86.