Mallet finger

Case contributed by Kelvin Feng
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Netball vs left ring finger. Hyperflexion injury of the distal phalanx.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Intra-articular fracture through the base of the distal phalanx of the left ring finger with dorsal displacement. Extension splint in situ.

Case Discussion

This patient presented with an inability to extend the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) of the left ring finger following an impact injury to the tip of the finger. Images are consistent with a bony mallet finger. Treatment is generally non-operative through splinting the DIPJ in full extension or slight hyperextension for 6 weeks. Operative management is indicated when there is an open injury, a large bony fragment with DIPJ subluxation, or fractures involving >30% of the articular surface.1

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