The most common treatment for a mallet finger is to place the finger in a splint, at all times, for approximately six weeks. The splint will secure the finger in a straight (extended) position, allowing the torn tendon to properly heal in appropriate position. Upon removing the splint, the patient’s injured joint is usually stiff and mobility is limited. The finger will gradually regain flexibility over time. Surgical intervention is rarely needed unless bone fragments are present.
If a large fracture fragment is present or the joint is misaligned, a surgical repair may be considered. In these situations, pins are inserted to hold the pieces of bone together as the tendon heals.
Temporary pins may also be inserted if the patient is struggling with a splinting regimen. Temporary pins will remain for about 8 weeks.
Goal
Regain full extension of fingertip.
Who qualifies?
Patient who have bone fragments or a fracture
Complications
- Full extension of the fingertip is not regained.
- Patient struggles with following recommended splinting regimen
Surgical complications
- Infection
- Stiffness
- Soreness at incision site
Outcomes/recovery
- In many cases, patients are allowed to return to normal activities almost immediately, provided that they are wearing the protective splint.
- Splinting treatment usually results in both acceptable function and appearance, however, many patients may not regain full fingertip extension.
- If mallet finger injuries are left untreated, it may result in stiffness and deformity of the injured fingertip.
