This injury is the result of disruption to the extensor mechanism at the top of the finger causing the finger tip to ‘droop’ down giving the appearance of a ‘mallet’. The patient is unable to straighten the tip of the finger fully. The injury is commonly sustained in cricketers and rugby players.
An X-ray is important as it will distinguish between a bony or non-bony component . It there is subluxation of the joint or a large chunk of the articular surface is affected then occasionally surgery is recommended . This involves an anaesthetic – general or local – and fixation with wires usually . The wires are removed after 6-8 weeks .
they can mostly be treated non-operatively using a custom made splint by the hand therapist . The splint is worn constantly for 6 weeks followed by 6 weeks of night time splinting alone.
