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| Mallet Finger |
Clinically Anatomy
The extensor tendons straighten the fingers and thumb through a very complex arrangement. The extensor apparatus is a plexus of tendons with an aponeurotic sheet. Extensor tendons are located in the dorsal region of the hand and fingers. The function of these tendons is to extend the wrist and the fingers.Aetiology
In mallet finger injuries, the distal extensor tendon is ruptured. The rupture occurs when the distal phalanx of a finger is forced into flexion while being actively extended e.g. in ball sports, if a ball hits the fingertip of an extended finger.The extrinsic extensor tendon originates in the forearm and runs over the metacarpophalangeal joint, having an indirect attachment to the proximal phalanx, and finally, attaches to the distal phalanx. These tendons are responsible for extension of the digits.
A mallet finger injury occurs when the extensor tendon is disrupted. A mallet fracture occurs when the tendon injury causes an avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx
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| Mallet Finger |
Epidemiology
Terminal extensor tendon injuries such as mallet finger injuries are common. Terminal extensor tendon injuries represent 5.6% of injuries in the hand and wrist.Usually occur in the workplace or during sports-related activities.
Are frequently seen in young to middle-aged men and occasionally in older women as well. The mean age for men with a mallet finger injury is 34 years. The mean age for women is 41 years.
Are more common in ball sports, as the ball hits the fingertip of an extended finger. This compels the distal interphalangeal joint into a forced flexion position and thereby causes an extensor tendon disruption
Terminal extensor tendon injuries can also occur with lower injury impacts - such as an elderly person "jamming" their finger while performing activities of daily living such as pulling up socks or tucking in bedsheets.
The fingers most commonly affected are the long or middle finger and the ring finger of the dominant hand.
Clinical Presentation
An inciting incident will be reported if a traumatic cause.Initially, the finger is painful and swollen around the DIP joint.
When the actual tendon is ruptured, the condition can be relatively painless. If a piece of the bone is pulled off, it is normally a bit more swollen and sore[6].
The end of the finger is bent and cannot be straightened voluntarily. The DIP joint can be straightened easily with help from the other hand.
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| Mallet Finger |
Differential Diagnosis
- Swan Neck Deformity
- Boutonniere Deformity
Diagnostic Procedures
Usually, the diagnosis of mallet finger is clearly evident from the physical exam
An X-ray may be taken - may show if the injury is an avulsion fracture or a tendon rupture and/or if there is a fractured bone.
Management
High-quality evidence ( a systematic review ) was conducted in 2018 to evaluate the therapeutic interventions for mallet finger. It concluded that both surgical and non-surgical management leads to excellent outcomes and the treatment intervention choice should be personalised to every patient.Physical Therapy Treatment
In general, a splint will be worn full time for 6–8 weeks. Then exercises can commence to gradually increase the movement in the tip of the finger. At this time, gradually reduce the time the client is wearing a splint.It usually takes around 3–4 weeks to regain maximal movement and strength of the finger post-immobilisation.
Usually, this will result in satisfactory healing and allow the finger to extend[10].
Patient education is essential to ensure that the patient understands the necessity for maintaining DIP joint extension.
The key is continuous splinting for the first six weeks
If the splint is removed and the finger is allowed to bend, the process is disrupted and must start all over again
The splint must remain on at all times, even in the shower
The splint should hold the DIP joint in full extension and allow the ends of the tendon to move as close together as possible. As healing occurs, scar formation repairs the tendon
When the tendon is strong enough to hold the fingertip straight, a schedule to gradually wean out of the splint safely is instituted. If the client resumes playing sport with your splint on, you need to educate to strap it on firmly with sports tape to make sure it doesn't fly off.
In chronic mallet finger cases splinting may still work. In this case, splint the finger for about eight to 12 weeks to see if the drooping lessens to a tolerable amount before considering surgery.
Skin problems with prolonged splint usage include skin breakdown. It is important to monitor for this and possibly recommend a new or different splint
Nearby joints may become stiff when the injured finger is splinted for this length of time. Design a program of exercises to assist in finger range of motion and to reduce joint stiffness
The following video shows how to tape a mallet finger after splint removal.
Rehabilitation after surgery for mallet finger focuses mainly on keeping the other joints mobile and preventing stiffness from disuse
Non- Surgical
May have continuous splinting for approximately six weeks followed by six weeks of nighttime splinting.Usually, this will result in satisfactory healing and allow the finger to extend[10].
Patient education is essential to ensure that the patient understands the necessity for maintaining DIP joint extension.
The key is continuous splinting for the first six weeks
If the splint is removed and the finger is allowed to bend, the process is disrupted and must start all over again
The splint must remain on at all times, even in the shower
The splint should hold the DIP joint in full extension and allow the ends of the tendon to move as close together as possible. As healing occurs, scar formation repairs the tendon
When the tendon is strong enough to hold the fingertip straight, a schedule to gradually wean out of the splint safely is instituted. If the client resumes playing sport with your splint on, you need to educate to strap it on firmly with sports tape to make sure it doesn't fly off.
Splinting
There are many different splints, designed to be easier to wear at all times. In some extreme cases where the patient has to use his or her hands to continue working (eg a surgeon), a metal pin can be placed inside the bone across the DIP joint to act as an internal splint. This allows patients to continue to use their hand. The pin is removed at six weeks.In chronic mallet finger cases splinting may still work. In this case, splint the finger for about eight to 12 weeks to see if the drooping lessens to a tolerable amount before considering surgery.
Skin problems with prolonged splint usage include skin breakdown. It is important to monitor for this and possibly recommend a new or different splint
Nearby joints may become stiff when the injured finger is splinted for this length of time. Design a program of exercises to assist in finger range of motion and to reduce joint stiffness
The following video shows how to tape a mallet finger after splint removal.
Surgical
Surgery to repair a mallet finger is required when the bone fragment is large, when the fingertip has moved position a little or when the cause is a laceration.Rehabilitation after surgery for mallet finger focuses mainly on keeping the other joints mobile and preventing stiffness from disuse
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