Mallet Finger Injuries

Mallet finger is a common athletic injury. It may occur due to a tendinous lesion or due to a bony avulsion at the level of the extensor tendon’s insertion at the base of the distal phalanx. In all cases, the result is variable loss of the active extension of the distal phalanx. The initial treatment involves immobilising the distal interphalangeal joint in neutral position, followed by X-ray examination to check for any fracture and joint subluxation. When surgery is indicated, extension blocking technique is preferred. Careful follow-up is necessary to minimise the risk of complications.