Mallet finger

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Finger trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Flexion deformity at 5th distal interphalangeal joint. No fracture.

ultrasound

There is a hypoechoic soft tissue thickening abutting dorsal aspect of middle phalanx.

Normal lateral slips of extensor tendon is not visualized. 

There is no avulsion fracture at base of distal phalanx on dorsal aspect.

Central slip of extensor tendon is normal; seen attached to middle phalanx base.

Metacarpo-phalangeal joint               - No effusion

Proximal interphalangeal joint           - No effusion

Distal interphalangeal joint                - No effusion

Case Discussion

Findings suggest tear of lateral slips of extensor tendon without avulsion fracture of distal phalanx.

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