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Mallet Finger Injury - Baseball Finger

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A mallet finger injury occurs when the tip of a finger or the thumb is forcefully flexed.  The force injures the tendon that straightens the fingertip joint.  A mallet finger injury is also referred to as a baseball finger injury because it commonly occurs during the sport of baseball. 

A mallet finger injury causes loss of movement, pain, and swelling.  The joint at the end of the finger is noted to droop.  Most mallet finger injuries are treated with splinting.  In cases of fracture or malalignment, surgery may be necessary to treat the condition.

Read more about Mallet Finger Injury - Baseball Finger

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Prevention
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Prevention

Introduction

A mallet finger injury occurs when the tip of a finger or the thumb is forcefully flexed.  The force injures the tendon that straightens the fingertip joint.  A mallet finger injury is also referred to as a baseball finger injury because it commonly occurs during the sport of baseball. 

A mallet finger injury causes loss of movement, pain, and swelling.  The joint at the end of the finger is noted to droop.  Most mallet finger injuries are treated with splinting.  In cases of fracture or malalignment, surgery may be necessary to treat the condition.

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Anatomy

Your fingers are made up of three bones called phalanges.  Two joints separate the phalanges.  The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints are located near your fingertips.  The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints are located in the middle of your fingers. 

Extensor tendons are attached to your phalanges . The extensor mechanism covers the entire finger.  The extensor tendons allow your fingers to extend (straighten).  
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Causes

A mallet finger injury occurs when the tip of a finger or the thumb is forcefully bent down (flexed).  The force tears the extensor tendon that is attached to the distal phalanx.  This can happen during sports, such as baseball.  If the force is great enough, the tendon may remain intact, but a small piece of bone can be pulled away where it attaches to the phalanx.  This is called an avulsion fracture.  A mallet finger can also occur if the extensor tendon is cut.
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Symptoms

A mallet finger injury will cause pain and swelling at your DIP joint.  You will not be able to straighten the end of your fingertip.  The end of your finger will droop down. 
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Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a mallet finger injury by examining your finger.  You should tell your doctor about how you sustained your injury.  X-rays will be used to identify an avulsion fracture, joint malalignment, or associated injuries. 
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Treatment

The majority of mallet finger injuries are treated with splinting.  You will wear a finger splint full time for about six weeks.  It is important not to remove the finger splint at any time, even while you shower.  If the finger splint is removed, even for the shortest amount of time, the treatment is disrupted and the process must start all over.  The full time splint schedule is followed by a part time splint wearing schedule for another three or four weeks.
 
The splint should be removed, however, in a certain way, to allow observation and care of the skin.  The finger must be kept in extension by resting it on a flat surface whenever the splint is removed.
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Surgery

Surgery may be necessary for mallet finger injuries with fractures and joint malalignment.  Surgical hardware, such as pins, wires, and screws, are used to hold the bones in place while they heal.  In rare cases, the extensor tendon may be tightened or repaired with a graft.
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Recovery

Splinting and surgical treatments are usually followed by hand therapy rehabilitation.  A hand therapist will show you exercises to stretch and strengthen your joints.  The other joints in your fingers may become stiff and benefit from hand therapy exercises as well.  It can take a mallet finger injury several months to heal fully.  Healing is an individualized process.  Your doctor will let you know what to expect.
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Prevention

If you receive a mallet finger injury, you should elevate your hand above the level of your heart and apply ice intermittently until you can get to your doctor’s office.  You should receive medical attention if you experience bleeding beneath your fingernail.  Mallet finger injuries that receive prompt treatment tend to have better outcomes. 
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

Nancy L.

via md.com

Seeing Dr. Reznick and being treated by her is like going to heaven with millions of angels. She can not only treat your hand, she treats the soul. She is the best!!!

Les D.

via healthgrades.com

Amazing visit. I can't remember the last time I spent quality time with a doctor. She explained everything to me on why I was having trigger finger issues. I have been dealing with this for some time. She nailed it on the first visit ‘cause she talks to you and listens! If you need a hand doctor you will be happy she is the one.

Anonymous

via healthgrades.com

Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

When I was having problems with my wrist, she guided me through every step, and always made sure I was comfortable with what she was doing. Very straightforward and trustworthy. I never doubted what she was doing and she always wants to try every technique before doing surgery to try to make you better.

Shannon C.

healthgrades.com

I recently rode 900 miles on a vibrating Harley-Davidson and did not have a single tingle in either of my hands. You do great work. Thanks for helping me.

Ed G.

Just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciated your care, expertise and skill in conducting the surgery on my hand. A job well done. Thank you.

Randall A.

My surgery went very well. My banjo and I thank you.

Kevin M.

Dr. Lisa Reznick has performed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and has removed my basal joint from my right hand. All of my surgeries have been successful, and I now have complete use of both hands and my right thumb, which I credit to a great surgeon, good therapy, and a genuine concern for patients.

Robert

My hand is in perfect working order because of your expertise. I appreciate your genuine concern for my healing. Through the myriad of maladies my husband experienced, I became acquainted with many doctors. None even approached your level of patient care.

Trudy R.

Dr. Reznick performed surgery on my hand for ‘trigger finger’ and did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely user her again if the need ever presents itself again.

Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com
Testimonials

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

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Carrollton, TX 75010
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In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.