•Within 24 hours
•Urgent care required
Suggestion: X-ray
Thermoplastic water proof orthosis – Cap water proof orthosis OR Anti swan neck water proof orthosis. 6–8 weeks full time splinting. ROM all unaffected joints.
Mallet finger occurs when there is a fracture or rupture of the extensor tendon at the fingertip, which inhibits the ability to straighten the tip joint. This condition typically arises from either a forceful bending of the finger or a laceration. Mallet finger is a common injury that can occur while making a bed or from being struck by a ball at the fingertip. It results in a drooping fingertip, which can sometimes be mistaken for a dislocation. Treating mallet finger can be challenging, and inadequate treatment may lead to complications such as swan neck deformity and arthritis.
Following thorough assessment of the injury and the X-ray, Mallet Finger is treated in a water resistant brace that can breathe but keeps the finger in the correct position.
Mallet finger injuries with a small fracture or break can be treated in a small custom-made fingertip brace for up to 6 weeks. When the Mallet Finger has a fracture, careful consideration must be given to the X-ray for Mallet Finger so as not to displace or dislocate the joint while splinting. It is really important to have a custom fit brace and not a “stack splint” or an aluminium splint as these can cause many problems and complications.
In a tendon Mallet Finger where there is no bone break or fracture then very careful consideration must be given to the splinting. In order to help the tendon heal, a splint with the middle joint slightly bent and the tip joint held straight (anti swan neck splint) will be fabricated to help the tendon Mallet Finger injury heal. This splint may be worn for up to 8 weeks however treatment will vary.
See below tendon Mallet Finger with a light-weight, custom fit anti-swan neck splint
A stack splint is being used to treat a tendon mallet finger injury. It does not support the DIP and PIP joints of the finger, leading to possible complications.
An anti-swan neck splint is being correctly used to treat a tendon mallet finger injury. It shortens the oblique retinaculum ligament allowing the terminal extensor tendon to move back up the finger to heal.
In most cases Mallet Finger does not require surgery and in some cases surgery can actually make the Mallet Finger worse. In order to decide whether a Mallet Finger injury should have surgery, the Hand Therapist at Action Rehab will check your X-ray. If there is subluxation of the joint (dislocation), then in those cases surgery may be required. This takes careful examination and can only be done by your experienced Action Rehab Hand Therapist or Physiotherapist. If surgery is required the Action Rehab therapist will discuss with your General Practitioner and arrange a surgical opinion from one of experienced hand surgery colleagues.
A subluxation of the finger joint (dislocation) may require surgery.
Mallet Finger is complex and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.
Choosing the right Hand Therapist starts with them being able to assess your injury, read your X-rays or Ultrasound and then educate and/or fabricate the right brace for you and your injury. The Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing Jersey Finger and other tendon injuries, reading X-rays, reading Ultrasounds and advising on the most appropriate treatment.
Our therapists regularly host GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Jersey Finger treatment.
Known for providing Hand Therapy treatment for Mallet Finger and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder tendon injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.
Mallet Finger is the most common injury seen at Action Rehab. Mallet Finger is a common sports related injury and Action Rehab are experts in sports trauma.
Mallet finger is caused by a ball or a force to the end of the finger while a person is trying to straighten it.
A generally Mallet Finger does not require surgery and in some cases surgery can make it worse. Action Rehab therapists can assess the X-ray and can advise if your Mallet Finger injury needs surgery.
Mallet finger can be a serious injury. You should always see a Hand Therapist if you have a Mallet Finger injury because they are much more complicated than you think.
