Mallet Finger

Definition:
'Mallet finger' also 'baseball finger'. It results from hyperflexion of the extensor digitorum tendon, and usually occurs when a ball (such as a softball, basketball, or volleyball), while being caught, hits an outstretched finger and jams it - creating a ruptured or stretched extensor digitorum tendon. Treatment options include surgery or putting the finger in a Mallet Splint for 6 to 8 weeks or extension block Kirschner wire for 4 weeks. The splint allows the tendon to return to normal length, if the finger is bent during these weeks the healing process must start all over again. Surgery is used to reattach the tendon and is usually performed within a week of the injury. Patients that present with mallet finger will have pain at the DIP joint, and will be unable to extend the joint. It should be determined via radiograph if the Extensor Digitorum tendon has avulsed from the phalange, which will require surgical intervention to reattach the tendon and should be done within 10 days of the injury. Surgical treatment is used when the mallet finger presents as an open injury or if the bony mallet involves more than 30% of the articular surface of the joint. If passive extension cannot be achieved, surgery will put the finger in a neutral position and drill a wire through the DIP to the PIP, forcing immobilization and eliminating patient compliance for re-injury.

Symptoms
  • Pain in the finger
  • Physical deformity and the tip of the finger can not straighten
Causes
  • Hyperflexion of the extensor digitorum tendon
  • Usually occurs when a ball (such as a softball, basketball, or volleyball), while being caught, hits an outstretched finger and jams it
Treatment
  • Period of immobilization
  • Progress to ROM and stretching
  • Hand intrinsic muscle strengthening
  • Upper extremity muscle strengthening
  • Possible surgical intervention
Mallet Finger Phase I

Purchase Phase

  • Soft Tissue Mobilization Finger
  • Finger Extensor Stretch
  • Finger Self Mobilization
  • Finger Extensor Strengthening Yoga
  • Finger Stretch

Mallet Finger Phase II

Purchase Phase

  • Putty Scales
  • Finger Extensor Strengthening Yoga
  • Finger Flexor Strengthening Yoga
  • Tendon Gliding

Mallet Finger Phase III

Purchase Phase

  • Ulnar Radial Deviation
  • Rice Wrist Flexion And Extension
  • Wrist Curls
  • Rice Wrist Pronation Supination
  • Rice Hand Opening Closing
  • Eccentric Wrist Flexion
  • Eccentric Wrist Extension