Mallet finger Flashcards
1
Q
Etiology of mallet finger
A
extensor zone 1 injury - DIPJ and middle phalanx
rupture of extensor digitorum tendon (collateral band)
e.g. baseball
2
Q
Tx for mallet finger
A
1) splint: ONLY splint DIPJ allowing the other knuckles to move
2) Flexibility exercises for involved and uninvolved joint:
- Maintain PIP/MCP ROM while DIP is splinted
- ROM exercises only begin at DIP joint once tendon/bone has healed ~6-8
weeks - gradually increase active flexion; no passive stretching
3) Functional strengthening: focus on extension strength as it is a weaker tendon
3
Q
SSx of mallet finger
A
Pain and swelling at the tip of the finger
Bruising in the affected finger
Fingertip that droops noticeably and will only straighten passively
