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HAND
Published in: HAND 2/2014

01-06-2014 | Review Articles of topics

Current concepts: mallet finger

Authors: Sreenivasa R. Alla, Nicole D. Deal, Ian J. Dempsey

Published in: HAND | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Loss of the extensor mechanism at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint leads to mallet finger also known as baseball finger or drop finger. This can be secondary to tendon substance disruption or to a bony avulsion. Soft tissue mallet finger is the result of a rupture of the extensor tendon in Zone 1, and a bony mallet finger is the result of an avulsion of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx with a small fragment of bone attached to the avulsed tendon. Mallet finger leads to an imbalance in the distribution of the extensor force between the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and DIP joints. If left untreated, mallet finger leads to a swan neck deformity from PIP joint hyper extension and DIP joint flexion. Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically, but occasionally surgery is recommended for either an acute or a chronic mallet finger or for salvage of failed prior treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Current concepts: mallet finger
Authors
Sreenivasa R. Alla
Nicole D. Deal
Ian J. Dempsey
Publication date
01-06-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
HAND / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1558-9447
Electronic ISSN: 1558-9455
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-014-9609-y

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