WHAT IS A MALLET FINGER?
“Mallet Finger” is a term for a terminal tendon rupture, which is an injury of the tip of the finger that causes the DIP (distal interphalangeal) joint to droop into flexion. The DIP joint is the first knuckle from the top of the finger and mallet finger occurs when striking the tip of the finger, creating a bend in the DIP joint that is further than intended. Additionally, mallet finger is often linked to advanced stages of arthritis, causing a person to be unable to lift the tip of the finger actively. Think you may have mallet finger? Check out these symptoms listed here
OPTIONS FOR CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF MALLET FINGER:
Therapy is great option for conservative treatment of mallet finger. It is often recommended that the patient is placed in a splint, full-time for an extended period. We call this the immobilization phase of treatment. A customized splint will either place the DIP joint in a neutral or a 10-degree hyper-extended position. While over the counter orthoses are available, they are not ideal. A custom splint is the best option for patients to hold the digit into hyper-extension with immobilization while still maintaining function of the middle joint and allowing function of the hand.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF THE PIN(S)?
Pins post-op mallet procedure
Depending on the severity of your injury, surgical intervention may be recommended for the immobilization phase of treatment. For surgical management, 1-3 pins are driven through the fingertip to hold the DIP joint into neutral extension. This will be in place 6-8 weeks, so caring for these pins is critical to managing infection and ensuring the success of the mallet procedure post-operatively.
Tools Needed for Successful Pin Care and Cleaning
Mallet finger procedure pin care maintenance:
begin by dipping the Q-tip in a solution of half hydrogen peroxide, half saline. Dab the Q tip on and around the pin and follow up with gauze, padding off any of the excess solution that may bubble up. Use 1 Q-tip per pin to avoid cross-contamination. Perform this process once a day.
REASONS FOR THERAPY AFTER IMMOBILZATION?
After the immobilization phase, it is time to get the finger moving again! To ensure great results, it is recommended to enter a therapy program under the guide of an expert! Our certified hand-therapists are available to create a personalized care program to safely return pain-free range of motion to your finger. Exercise includes movements that allow gliding, blocking, and eventually strengthening. Exercises like these are critical post operative and post mallet conservative treatment strategies.
We are ready and excited to help you at Desert Hand and Physical Therapy. If you think you might have a mallet injury or other finger/hand pain, please give us a call at 855-828-6361. Click HERE for a link to schedule a new patient appointment!
