Mallet finger
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| Mallet finger | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Baseball finger, drop finger |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery |
| Symptoms | Inability to extend the distal phalanx of a finger |
| Complications | Swan neck deformity |
| Onset | Sudden, often due to trauma |
| Duration | Can be chronic if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Tendon injury, fracture |
| Risks | Sports injuries, particularly in baseball and basketball |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Jersey finger, Boutonniere deformity |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Splinting, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment, may result in permanent droop if untreated |
| Frequency | Common in athletes |
| Deaths | N/A |
Mallet Finger is a medical condition that affects the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the finger. This condition is also known as "baseball finger" and is characterized by the inability to straighten the end joint of a finger or thumb.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of Mallet Finger is a direct blow to the tip of the finger or thumb. This can occur during sports activities, such as catching a ball, or during everyday activities, such as forcefully tucking in a bedsheet. The force of the blow can cause the tendon that straightens the finger to tear or even pull a piece of bone away with it.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptom of Mallet Finger is a drooping end joint on a finger or thumb. Other symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bruising. In some cases, blood may collect beneath the nail, causing it to become detached.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Mallet Finger is typically made through a physical examination. In some cases, an X-ray may be taken to determine if a piece of bone has been pulled away with the tendon.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for Mallet Finger typically involves splinting the affected finger or thumb for a period of time to allow the tendon to heal. In some cases, surgery may be required.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
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