What is Mallet Finger? How does it Occur?

Mallet finger is a tendon (extensor tendon) injury which is characterized by drop fingertip. It usually occurs as a result of trauma. It suddenly happens by a blunt trauma to the fingertip (such as a ball hit during sports activity) or by trapped fingertip through somewhere such as a belt holder of a trouser or edges of sheet or pillows. It may be on any finger, but it is most common on the middle, ring, and small fingers. Rarely, it may occur as a result of laceration over the last joint of the finger.

What are the Complaints and Examination Findings in Mallet Finger?

• There is a drop fingertip.
• The fingertip cannot be extended even if it is tried to be.
• There may be pain and swelling over the last joint of the fingertip.
• If mallet finger is caused by a laceration over the joint, an open wound is noticed over the last joint.

How is Mallet Finger Diagnosed?

In physical examination, doctor records drop finger which cannot be extended by the patient despite his/her effort. Because in some cases, there may be avulsion fracture not tendon injury itself, x-ray evaluation may be needed. Complaints and examination findings are the same, even if there is a fracture. After all these examinations and evaluations, a mallet finger is diagnosed due to tendon rupture or avulsion fracture.muş çekiç parmak tanısı konulur.