Mallet Finger

Mallet finger is a condition where the tip of the finger is bent downwards and cannot be straightened. This is due to damage to the tendon or the bony attachment of the tendon which normally allows you to straighten the tip of your finger. It is often caused by a direct injury or trauma to the tip of the finger, such as being hit by a ball or other object.

The main symptom of mallet finger is the inability to straighten the tip of the finger. There may also be pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected area.

To prevent mallet finger, you should wear protective gear when playing sports or participating in other activities that could result in finger injury.

If left untreated, mallet finger can lead to permanent deformity or loss of function in the affected finger.

The aim of the treatment is to return your fingertip to as near normal as possible. This will take at least 6 to 8 weeks. However, success cannot be guaranteed.

Treatment for mallet finger typically involves wearing a splint to keep the fingertip in a straight position for a minimum of 6 weeks. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon or bone.

Important care instructions during the splint process:

1. Please ensure your fingertip is supported by the splint all the time. Although wearing a splint may be inconvenient, it must be kept on day and night. Removal will delay your recovery process and results in longer splint use.
2. You should keep your fingertip straight by placing it against a flat surface during cleaning of the splint and finger hygiene.
3. It’s essential to look after and change the splint to achieve good results. If the splint is too loose, you will need to make a visit to our Hand Therapist for a change of the splint. Your therapist will usually review in 2-3 weeks to ensure splint fitting.
4. If your fingertip is painful, throbbing or looks red after splint modification, you can try to elevate your hand to reduce swelling. If discomfort continues, loosen the strap slightly without dropping the splint. If not resolved, please contact our Hand Therapist.
5. Keep both the splint and your finger clean and dry.
6. You should avoid any activities that could further injure the finger, such as playing sports or lifting heavy objects.
7. After 6 weeks of splinting, this is the self-management instructions:
   • If extensor lag ≤ 10⁰: Remove splint for exercise only, start interval Active Range of Motion (AROM).Continue night splinting for 2-4 weeks.
   • If extensor lag >10°: Resume full time splinting for 2 weeks before starting interval AROM & night splinting for 2 weeks.
   • If extensor lag >30°: Repeat 24 hours splinting regime for 4-6 weeks.
8. After 8 weeks, if extensor lag ≤ 10⁰, continue to use your hand as usual. Do note that it may take several months for the symptoms to settle completely. Your finger may not look like how it was before the injury, but it should function well.

Follow - Up Appointment

• Keep your appointment(s) as scheduled, reschedule your appointment as soon as possible if your missed your appointment.
• Report to Specialist Outpatient Clinic on your appointment date and time.
• For any change of appointments(s) in Singapore General Hospital Out-patient clinic, please download SingHealth Health Buddy Application or call the Singapore General Hospital appointment hotline at 63214377 OR email to appointments@sgh.com.sg.

For further reading, download our leaflet below:
Mallet Finger.pdf