Mallet finger injury
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A mallet finger injury is when the tendon that straightens the tip of the finger (extensor tendon) is damaged and is no longer attached to the end bone of the finger. A mallet finger injury happens when a trauma to your finger either tears the fibres of the extensor tendon (a tendinous injury) or fractures the bone at the point where the tendon connects to the end bone of the finger (avulsion injury). Both of these injuries stop you from being able to straighten the tip of your finger.
In both cases, treatment involves continuous splinting of the tip joint of the finger in order to allow the tendon and bone to heal.
You will need to use a splint for between six and eight weeks, dependent on the nature of your injury. Your therapist will advise you on how long you need to use a splint for.
*BEFORE COMMENCING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ADVICE OR EXERCISES, PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR HAND THERAPIST TO CONFIRM IF IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CONDITION*
Link for Mallet Finger Injury Patient Information Hand-out:
