Mallet Finger Case Study

A mallet finger presents itself when there is a sudden struck of force onto a resisting distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint flexion of the finger by an approaching object or even just smashing the fingertip against a stationary object causing pain and tenderness to be exhibit at the dorsum part of the distal phalanx base (Buttaravoli & Leffler, 2012, p.415). The distal phalanges are attached by the extensor tendon which is a projection from the extensor digitorum muscle that allows the finger to be straightened but if the extensor tendon is injured, then the finger would fail to be straightened by its own strength but it is only possible by another hand. Commonly, the extensor tendon is pulled from the bone but there are cases where the bone

The acute deformities are those exhibited within 4 weeks of the injury while chronic deformities are defined as those exhibited after 4 weeks. This injury is classified by Doyle into four groups. The first group is a closed or blunt trauma causing loss of tendon continuity with or without an avulsion fracture. The second group involves laceration at or proximal to the distal interphalangeal joint causing loss of tendon continuity. The third group would involve a deep abrasion with loss of skin, subcutaneous cover and tendon substance. The fourth group involves a few features such as transepiphyseal plate fracture in children, hyperflexion injury with fracture of articulatng surface of less than half and hyperextension injury with fracture of articulating surface more than half along with early or late volar subluxation of the distal phalanx (Parvizi & Kim, 2010, p.286). Other signs and symptoms of mallet finger would be a pop or rip sensation felt in the affected finger during time of injury. Immediately after injury, pain can be felt when the injured finger is moved. The individual might also find passive movement of the finger possible but it is difficult to straighten the bent finger at the last joint with their own strength. Presence of warmth, swelling and tenderness of the injured finger, especially dorsal part of the injured finger or joint follow by bruising would occur after 48 hours (Safran, Zachazewski & Stone, 2012,