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How I Manage Mallet Finger.

The Physician and Sportsmedicine

|July 26, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mallet finger, a common sports injury affecting the distal interphalangeal joint, is typically treated with conservative splinting for eight weeks or more. Surgery is reserved for complex fractures where conservative methods fail.

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Area of Science:

Orthopedics
Sports Medicine
Hand Surgery

Background:

Mallet finger is a frequent injury in athletes participating in contact sports.
It involves the loss of extensor function at the distal interphalangeal joint.
This condition results in a characteristic finger deformity.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the conservative and surgical management of mallet finger injuries.
To emphasize the efficacy of splinting as a primary treatment modality.
To define criteria for surgical intervention in cases of mallet finger.

Main Methods:

Conservative treatment involves continuous splinting of the distal interphalangeal joint.
Splinting duration typically exceeds eight weeks.

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Patients require periodic splint removal for hygiene, with strict instructions to avoid finger flexion.

Main Results:

Conservative splinting is effective for most mallet finger injuries.
Surgical intervention is indicated for specific fracture patterns, such as those with a subluxated palmar fragment.
Failure of conservative treatment may necessitate surgical consideration.

Conclusions:

Mallet finger injuries in athletes are predominantly managed non-operatively.
Proper splinting technique and adherence are crucial for successful outcomes.
Surgical treatment for mallet finger should be reserved for complex, refractory cases.