Mallet FingerKeefer Kimball, Kayla Gibbs

What it is! deformity of a finger caused when the

extensor tendon is damaged. (DIP joint) Finger is unable to extend. Also called baseball finger

Mechanism of Injury When a ball or other object strikes the

tip of the finger or thumb, the force damages the thin tendon that straightens the finger.

Treatment Treatment include surgery or Mallet

splint for 6 to 8 weeks Or extension block k-wire for 4 weeks.

Treatment Part 2 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.

Recovery Will completely recover! Resume life with little to no restrictions

after healing. Don’t loose many degrees of movement.

Anatomy DIP joint of fingers or thumb; extensor

tendon