Mallet finger

Case contributed by Mohammad Osama Hussein Yonso
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

The patient tripped and fell at work 4 days ago, he accidentally hit his right hand forcefully against the ground. On examination: tenderness and swelling of the distal two-thirds of the right ring finger.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Displaced avulsed fracture at the base of the distal phalanx with intra-articular extension (mallet finger).

Case Discussion

Mallet finger: refers to damage in the extensor movement of the distal phalanx of the finger, either as a result of injury to the extensor tendon or due to an avulsion fracture at the base of the distal phalanx with dorsal displacement, resulting in the shape of a hammer-like finger due to unopposed flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.