Mallet Finger Specialist Singapore Sports Clinic

Mallet Finger – The extensor tendon of the finger is being pulled away from the bone

What Is Mallet Finger?

According to our Mallet Finger specialist Singapore, Mallet finger occurs when the outermost joint of the finger is injured. With mallet finger, the tendon on the back of the finger is separated from the muscles it connects. With mallet finger, the tendon on the back of the finger (not the palm side) is separated from the muscles it connects.

Three types of injuries commonly occur:

  • The tendon is damaged, but no fractures (bone cracks or breaks) are present.
  • The tendon ruptures with a small fracture caused by the force of the injury.
  • The tendon ruptures with a large fracture.

Symptoms of Mallet Finger

  • Pain, tenderness, and swelling at the outermost joint immediately after the injury
  • Swelling and redness soon after the injury
  • Inability to completely extend the finger but can move it with help

How to diagnose Mallet Finger?

X-ray films help the doctor to determine if the bone has suffered a crack or break. Imaging studies may also help the doctor to see any foreign debris in the cut (laceration).

What are The Causes?

Commonly an athletic injury where basketball and baseball players routinely experience jammed fingers, but the injury can occur because of a crushing accident on the job or even because of a cut finger while working in the kitchen.

How To Prevent Mallet Finger?

According to our Mallet Finger specialist Singapore, to prevent such injuries, take care when participating in activities, including athletic events. To prevent injuries from happening again to the same finger, leave the splint on for the entire time the doctor has recommended.

What Are The Mallet Finger Treatments Singapore ?

Mallet finger specialist Singapore have categorised the mallet finger treatments as follow:

Non Surgical Mallet Finger Treatment Singapore

  • If the finger is not broken or cut, or if only a small fracture is present, the doctor applies a splint to the end of the finger so it remains extended. With a splint, the outermost joint on the injured finger is not bendable, but the rest of the finger is bendable. This splint needs to be worn for at least 6 weeks to ensure that the tendon is given the best chance of healing. Surgery is necessary if the tendon requires suturing to repair it.
  • The doctor also repairs any cuts or damage to the skin. And, if necessary, the tendon may be stitched (sutured) to repair it.
  • For pain relief, apply ice to the joint.

Surgical Mallet Finger Treatment Singapore

  • DIP Fixation
    A surgical pin acts like an internal cast to keep the DIP joint from moving so the tendon can heal. The pin is removed after six to eight weeks.
  • Fracture Pinning
    The other case is when there is a fracture associated with the mallet finger. If the fracture involves enough of the joint, it may need to be repaired. This may require pinning the fracture. If the damage is too severe, it may require fusing the joint in a fixed position.
  • Finger Joint Fusion
    If the damage cannot be repaired using pin fixation, finger joint fusion may be needed. Joint fusion is a procedure that binds the two joint surfaces of the finger together, keeping them from rubbing on one another. Fusing the two joint surfaces together eases pain, makes the joint stable, and prevents additional joint deformity.

Rehabilitation

Non – Surgical Rehabilitation

When the injury is new, the DIP joint is splinted nonstop in full extension for six to eight weeks. A mallet finger that is up to three months old may require splinting in full extension for eight to 12 weeks. The splint is then worn for shorter periods that include nighttime splinting for six more weeks. Skin problems are common with prolonged splinting. Patients should monitor the skin under their splint to avoid skin breakdown. If problems arise, a new or different splint may be needed. Nearby joints may be stiff after keeping the finger splinted for this length of time. Therapy and exercise may be needed to assist in finger range of motion and to reduce joint stiffness.

After surgery rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after surgery for mallet finger focuses mainly on keeping the other joints mobile and preventing stiffness from disuse. A physical or occupational therapist may be consulted to teach you home exercises and to make sure the other joints do not become stiff. After the surgical pin has been removed, exercises may be instituted gradually to strengthen the finger and increase flexibility.
Surgical treatment involving in insertion of a small wire to splint the joint

Mallet Finger

Surgical treatment involving in insertion of a small wire to splint the joint

Surgical treatment involving in insertion of a small wire to splint the joint

Looking for Mallet Finger Specialist Singapore?  Please contact us by calling (65) 66532628 or Schedule an Appointment here on our website. Our professional orthopaedic specialist has more than 20 years experience. Be assured that you will be receiving professional treatments that suit your needs. Consultations are covered by most insurance.

 Related Articles:

 
 
Leave a reply