Mallet Finger Injury [Hand]

Overview

A mallet finger injury is a tear of tendon that straightens the end joint of the finger.

The tendon may tear where it joins on to the end bone of the finger, or it may pull off a small fragment of bone at this point (in which case it is called a mallet fracture).

Causes

It is often caused by catching the finger “end-on” during sport, but it sometimes results from a minor injury such as catching the finger when tucking in bed sheets.

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling over the end of the finger.
• The end of the finger lies in a bent position.
• Inability to hold the finger straight at the end joint.