November 4, 2020
What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger is a “droop” of the fingertip caused by a disruption of the extensor tendon (the tendon which straightens the finger), with or without an avulsion fracture. Common causes include a direct blow (i.e. stubbing the finger, finger getting caught in fitted sheet when making the bed) to the fingertip or a laceration over the fingertip.
What does IHTC do to help recover a mallet finger?
For the first 6 – 8 weeks a hyperextension stax splint/orthosis is worn 24 hours/day. The fingertip must be supported at all times. Even when cleaning the finger and splint/orthosis during the splinting process there are methods available to keep the finger hyperextended. If the finger is allowed to “droop” this will disrupt any tendon healing which has taken place.
After 6 weeks of splinting has been completed, your therapist will carefully remove the splint/orthosis and check for a droop. If a droop is present you will continue to wear the splint/orthosis for a few more weeks. Then when your finger holds when, you will gradually start weaning out of the splint and your therapist will instruct you in gentle range of motion exercises.