Mallet finger

Overview

Mallet finger occurs when the tendon that straightens the fingertip is damaged, often from a ball striking the end of the finger. The fingertip droops and cannot be straightened actively. Most cases are treated with splinting.

Symptoms

• A drooping fingertip that cannot straighten
• Pain and swelling at the end of the finger
• Bruising in some cases
• Difficulty extending the fingertip

Causes

• A direct blow to the tip of the finger
• Forced bending of an extended fingertip
• Sports involving catching a ball

Treatment

• Continuous splinting of the fingertip
• Maintaining splint position for the recommended period
• Hand therapy after splinting
• Surgery for large bony fragments or failed splinting