Dedo de martelo Folheto
O que você está sentindo
Você pode notar que a ponta do seu dedo fica caída e não consegue se endireitar sozinha. Isso acontece porque o tendão que ergue o seu dedo está lesionado. A dor geralmente está localizada exatamente na ponta do dedo. Pode parecer aguda quando você tenta movê-lo ou pressionar a área.
O desconforto frequentemente piora após o uso da mão. Tarefas como digitar, carregar sacolas de compras ou praticar esportes podem aumentar a dor. Você também pode sentir rigidez ao acordar pela manhã. Essa rigidez geralmente melhora após alguns minutos de movimento da mão.
As atividades diárias tornam-se complicadas. Alcançar as costas para fechar um sutiã pode ser difícil. Enfiar a camisa exige coordenação cuidadosa para evitar sacudir o dedo. Dormir de lado pode exercer pressão sobre a ponta lesionada, causando dor que o mantém acordado.
Em alguns casos, ambas as mãos são afetadas. Isso pode acontecer se você tiver certas alterações bioquímicas no corpo. Se você for uma criança, a lesão pode envolver tanto o tendão quanto um pequeno fragmento ósseo. Isso é raro, mas possível.
Na maioria das vezes, gerenciamos isso com uma tala. Colamos um suporte simples na parte de trás do seu dedo. Isso mantém a ponta reta para que o tendão possa cicatrizar. Você a usa continuamente por várias semanas. A cirurgia é necessária apenas se um grande fragmento ósseo estiver fraturado ou se o osso se deslocar.
Tanto a imobilização com tala quanto a cirurgia levam a bons resultados. Você deve esperar alguma rigidez residual, especialmente se a queda era grave antes do tratamento. A correção completa leva tempo. Seja paciente com sua recuperação. Seu cirurgião irá guiá-lo durante o processo.
O que está realmente acontecendo
A ponta do seu dedo possui um pequeno tendão chamado tendão terminal. Ele se insere no último osso do seu dedo. Este tendão atua como uma corda que estica a ponta do seu dedo. Quando você estende o dedo, essa corda se contrai para levantar a ponta.
Em uma lesão de dedo em martelo, essa corda rompe ou se descola do osso. Isso geralmente acontece quando a ponta do seu dedo estendido é dobrada repentinamente para dentro. Pense em prender o dedo na borda de uma mesa enquanto alcança algo. A força é grande demais para o tendão suportar.
Como a corda está rompida, você perde a capacidade de esticar a ponta do seu dedo por conta própria. A articulação permanece em posição flexionada. Isso é chamado de deformidade em dedo em martelo. Você pode notar que a ponta fica caída. No entanto, você ainda pode esticá-la completamente se outra pessoa a mover para você. Isso ocorre porque a amplitude de movimento passivo permanece intacta.
A lesão pode ocorrer de duas maneiras. Primeiro, o próprio tendão pode romper completamente. Segundo, um pequeno fragmento ósseo pode se descolar junto com o tendão. Isso é chamado de fratura por avulsão. O fragmento ósseo inclui a inserção do tendão, portanto, o resultado parece semelhante. Ambos os tipos causam a mesma postura caída.
Às vezes, um grande fragmento ósseo se descola. Isso envolve mais de um terço da superfície articular. Nesses casos, o osso terminal pode deslizar para frente, fora de alinhamento. Isso é chamado de subluxação volar. Isso altera o funcionamento da articulação e frequentemente requer tratamento diferente.
Em crianças, a lesão pode afetar a placa de crescimento em vez do tendão. O osso é mais macio nessa região. Uma fratura pode deslocar a extremidade do dedo para uma postura em dedo em martelo. A hiperextensão geralmente ajuda a reposicioná-lo.
A maioria dos dedos em martelo é causada por lesões fechadas. A pele permanece intacta. Lesões abertas, nas quais a pele se rompe, são incomuns. Os dedos indicador, anelar e médio são os mais frequentemente afetados. Isso é comum em homens.
O que podemos fazer a respeito
A forma como o Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirurgião de membro superior do Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, aborda este tema em nossa clínica reflete um caminho claro. Os pacientes chegam à nossa clínica por encaminhamento do clínico geral ou fisioterapeuta. Uma avaliação clínica (histórico, exame físico e imagens quando necessário) estabelece o diagnóstico. Para problemas estruturais ou agudos, a cirurgia pode ser recomendada imediatamente, sem uma tentativa prévia de tratamento não operatório. Para problemas degenerativos ou de longa data, geralmente tentamos o tratamento não operatório — mudança de atividade, fisioterapia ou terapia de mão, uso de talas e injeções — e consideramos a cirurgia quando isso não proporcionou melhora suficiente.
A maioria das lesões de dedo em martelo cicatriza bem sem cirurgia. Frequentemente, começamos com uma tala dorsal colada ou uma tala simples. Você usa isso para manter a ponta do dedo reta. Um terapeuta de mão pode tratar lesões de dedo em martelo tipo 1 com a mesma eficácia de um cirurgião. Eles utilizam um método de imobilização que oferece praticamente nenhuma complicação relacionada à condição da pele. O uso suplementar de talas noturnas não melhora o resultado em termos de lag extensor, incapacidade ou satisfação com o tratamento. Alguns pacientes utilizam uma órtese alternativa simples e personalizada. Isso permite a flexão da articulação interfalangiana proximal (PIP) enquanto inibe a extensão completa ou hiperextensão. O manejo terapêutico conservador do dedo em martelo agudo e fechado é diverso e variado, com exercícios e intervenções suplementares ao uso de talas comumente utilizados.
A cirurgia é ocasionalmente recomendada para casos agudos ou crônicos de dedo em martelo ou para resgate de tratamentos anteriores fracassados. Podemos considerar o manejo cirúrgico para lesões agudas e crônicas de dedo em martelo em pacientes que falharam no tratamento não cirúrgico. Também o consideramos para pacientes que não conseguem trabalhar com a tala em posição. A cirurgia geralmente está indicada no caso de fraturas de dedo em martelo que envolvem mais de um terço da superfície articular. Também está indicada em todos os pacientes que desenvolvem subluxação volar da falange distal. No entanto, uma vantagem significativa do manejo cirúrgico, mesmo em casos complicados, ainda não foi claramente comprovada. As taxas de complicação para o manejo conservador do dedo em martelo tipo 4c de Doyle são baixas, sugerindo que os casos de grande fragmento podem ser gerenciados eficazmente de forma conservadora.
O que esperar
A maioria das lesões de dedo em martelo resolve-se bem sem cirurgia. Provavelmente usará uma tala para manter a ponta do dedo reta. Isto permite que o tendão ou o osso curem na posição correta. Tanto a imobilização com tala como a cirurgia conduzem a excelentes resultados clínicos para a maioria dos pacientes.
Se a sua lesão envolver um fragmento ósseo de grandes dimensões ou se a articulação se tiver deslocado, o seu cirurgião poderá recomendar cirurgia. Isto é frequentemente feito para estabilizar a articulação e prevenir deformidades a longo prazo. Mesmo nestes casos mais complexos, os resultados são geralmente muito bons.
Deve esperar que o processo de recuperação demore vários meses. A consistência é fundamental. Deve manter a tala colocada continuamente durante o tempo que o seu cirurgião indicar. Retirá-la precocemente pode causar a reabertura da lesão ou uma má cicatrização. Uma vez concluída a cicatrização, recuperará gradualmente a mobilidade e a força.
Alguns pacientes podem notar um pequeno grau de rigidez ou uma ligeira flexão na ponta do dedo que não se endireita completamente. Isto é conhecido como lag extensor. É mais comum se a lesão foi grave ou se o tratamento foi adiado. No entanto, esta limitação menor raramente afeta a sua capacidade de utilizar a mão para tarefas diárias.
As complicações são incomuns. Infecções, não união (onde o osso não cicatriza) ou deformidades da unha são raras quando a lesão é gerida adequadamente. Se tiver uma fratura que envolva uma grande porção da superfície articular, existe o risco de a articulação se deslocar. O seu cirurgião monitorizará isto de perto para garantir o alinhamento adequado.
Em casos raros em que o tratamento inicial falha, pode ser necessária uma nova cirurgia para corrigir a deformidade. Estes procedimentos de salvamento são eficazes na restauração da função e da aparência. No geral, com os devidos cuidados, pode esperar o retorno completo às suas atividades e hobbies habituais.
Quando procurar ajuda
Consulte o seu médico de família se tiver dor persistente que não melhora com o repouso. Solicite uma avaliação especializada se notar fraqueza ou instabilidade no dedo. Procure atendimento se a articulação travar ou ceder. Contacte o seu médico se os sintomas interferirem no seu sono ou no trabalho. A piora súbita da sua condição também é um motivo para procurar ajuda. As lesões de dedo em martelo podem, por vezes, apresentar-se como casos bilaterais, o que significa que ambas as mãos estão afetadas. Anomalias bioquímicas também podem desempenhar um papel nestas lesões. Uma avaliação precoce ajuda a determinar se necessita de imobilização simples ou de tratamento adicional. O seu cirurgião orientá-lo-á sobre os melhores passos seguintes para a sua situação específica.
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview
- Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in pediatric populations remain unclear [1].
- Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrated adequate functional outcomes with minimal complications compared with prior literature [2].
- Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [3].
- Most authorities splint only the distal joint for mallet finger deformities [4].
- Complication rates for large-fragment mallet finger cases are low, suggesting they can be effectively managed conservatively [5].
- Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting, although surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [6].
- The role of surgery for mallet fractures of the thumb remains unclear due to their uncommon nature and favorable radiographic findings [7].
- After a mallet-finger injury treated within two weeks by either splinting method, few patients have significant persistent disability [8].
- Some authors propose treating all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- The conservative treatment of mallet finger with a simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treatment [14].
- There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom-made or off-the-shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury [15].
- Surgery is generally indicated in the case of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface as well as in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx [16].
- A significant advantage of surgical management even in complicated cases (fractures >1/3 articular surface or volar subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [16].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
- The mallet finger deformity is characterized by a loss of active distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension with full passive range of motion evident [18].
- The deformity reflects the loss of normal extensor force transmission via the terminal tendon insertion onto the distal phalanx [18].
- The unopposed flexor digitorum profundus pulls the distal joint into flexion [18].
- The usual mechanism of injury involves sudden passive flexion of an actively extended DIP joint [18].
- Disruption of the terminal tendon may be entirely confined to the tendon or may involve an avulsed fracture fragment from the dorsal lip of the distal phalanx proximal articular surface [18].
- The clinical appearance of soft tissue and bony mallet fingers is similar because the avulsed fragment includes the terminal tendon insertion [18].
- The distal joint rests in flexion, a posture that cannot be actively changed [18].
- Full passive extension of the DIP joint is possible [18].
- Mallet finger most commonly involves a closed rupture of the terminal tendon with or without associated fracture of the distal phalanx [34].
- Snagging the extending finger on an object that suddenly flexes the DIP joint is a frequent cause of injury [34].
- Less commonly, a forceful hyperextension injury of the DIP joint may result in a large fracture of the base of the distal phalanx involving one-third or more of the articular surface [34].
- Elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the DIP joint may have mallet deformities that are not related to trauma [34].
- Individuals with hyperlax joints may have multiple pseudomallet swan neck postures that are unrelated to trauma [34].
- Open mallet injuries are uncommon [34].
- The most frequently involved digits are the small, ring, and middle fingers of the dominant hand [34].
- There is a male predominance in mallet finger incidence [34].
- Tendinous mallet fingers have been reported to occur from age 11 onward [34].
- In skeletally immature individuals, a transepiphyseal plate fracture may be seen [34].
- There may be a familial predisposition to mallet fingers [34].
- The terminal tendon is the primary structure responsible for extending the DIP joint [46].
- Adjacent retinacular structures provide stability to the DIP joint [46].
- Palmar subluxation of a DIP joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured [47].
- A mallet finger caused by avulsion of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx can be satisfactorily treated by splinting 12 weeks after injury [13].
- Prolonged splinting and splinting longer than 12 weeks may be successful, though the duration may be limited by the patient’s tolerance [13].
- After 12 weeks, if the distal phalanx droops severely but passive extension in the DIP joint is still satisfactory, surgery may be indicated depending on patient needs [13].
- Displacement of the epiphysis of the distal phalanx can cause the digit to assume a mallet finger posture [13].
- Hyperextension of the phalanx usually affords satisfactory reduction of a displaced epiphysis [13].
Classification
- Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting [6].
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases of mallet finger [6].
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for salvage of failed prior treatment of mallet finger [6].
- The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger [9].
- Stage IV mallet finger is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- A modification to the Doyle classification is proposed to make it more encompassing and less prone to interobserver error [31].
- The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence classification system for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed [36].
- The interrater reliability of the OARSI classification system for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed [36].
- The modified Mallet classification demonstrated strong to excellent agreement and interrater reliability across face-to-face, live tele-assessment, and video-based conditions [37].
- The modified Mallet classification is appropriate for remote medical follow-up [37].
- Non-operative management of mallet fractures is safe regardless of fracture classification [38].
- Non-operative management of mallet fractures is safe regardless of joint congruence [38].
- Non-operative management of mallet fractures is safe regardless of pre-existing degenerate change in the DIP joint [38].
Clinical Presentation
- Mallet finger injuries are frequent in football [19].
- Mallet deformity accounts for a minority of sporting injuries [28].
- Bilateral mallet fingers raise questions regarding the possible role of biochemical abnormalities in causing the condition [20].
- Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint [21].
- Fracture size is an independent risk factor for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [21].
- Time to application of a finger immobilizer is an independent risk factor for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [21].
- Conservative management of tendinous mallet finger injuries neglected for 2 to 4 weeks can be treated as well as those presenting within the first 2 weeks of injury, with low long-term complication rates [12].
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases of mallet finger or for salvage of failed prior treatment [6].
- Uncomplicated cases of mallet injuries are best treated by splinting therapy [29].
- Cases that do not react to splinting therapy are best treated by surgical interventions [29].
- The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- Early recognition of mallet finger injuries and referrals to a hand surgeon are crucial to avoid long-term disability [11].
Investigations
- Most authorities recommend splinting only the distal joint for mallet finger deformities [4].
- A radiograph should be obtained to determine whether a fracture is present [18].
- Radiographs should be evaluated to assess if the dorsal fragment is large and whether the distal phalanx is subluxed palmarward [18].
- Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint [21].
- Fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [21].
- Surgery is generally indicated in cases of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface [16].
- Surgery is generally indicated in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx [16].
- The advantage of surgical management for complicated cases (large fractures or subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [16].
Treatment
Non-Operative Management
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [6].
- Conservative management of tendinous mallet finger injuries neglected for 2 to 4 weeks can be treated as well as those presenting within the first 2 weeks, with low long-term complication rates [12].
- A simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treating mallet finger [14].
- There was insufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different custom-made or off-the-shelf finger splints for treating mallet finger injury [15].
- Supplemental night splinting does not improve outcomes in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [22].
- A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon [24].
- A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon, using an immobilization method that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition [32].
- Hand therapists implement a diverse range of clinical skills to optimize outcome success [23].
- The clinical efficacy of elastic taping for the treatment of mallet finger injuries remains to be tested vigorously [27].
Operative Management
- A significant advantage of surgical management over conservative management in complicated cases (fracture >1/3 articular surface or volar subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [16].
- Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have failed nonsurgical treatment [30].
- Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients unable to work with the splint in position [30].
- Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients with a fracture involving more than one third of the joint surface [30].
- A deepithelialised pedicled skin flap technique is a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger [25].
- Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children is safe and effective [33].
Surgical Technique Details
- A mallet finger caused by avulsion of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx can be satisfactorily treated by splinting 12 weeks after injury, as described for an acute injury [13].
- Prolonged splinting and splinting longer than 12 weeks may be successful, though duration may be limited by patient tolerance [13].
- After 12 weeks, if the distal phalanx droops severely but passive extension in the distal interphalangeal joint is still satisfactory, surgery may be indicated depending on patient needs [13].
- For surgical repair of chronic mallet finger, make a small V-shaped or U-shaped incision, convex distally, with the tip no closer than 5 mm proximal to the nail base on the dorsum of the finger [13].
- Avoid injury to the germinal matrix of the nail during incision for chronic mallet finger repair [13].
- Develop the flap gently in the plane between the tendon and subcutaneous fat, elevating proximally to expose the extensor tendon with intervening scar [13].
- Attempt to identify the junction of normal tendon with scar and sever the tendon transversely proximal to the joint, leaving the insertion of the tendon into bone [13].
- Resect sufficient scar or tendon to allow closure of the gap with the finger in maximal extension [13].
- Support and protect the repair by immobilizing the joint with a transarticular 0.045-inch Kirschner wire [13].
- Repair the extensor tendon with 4-0 monofilament nylon or 4-0 monofilament wire as a pull-out roll stitch [13].
- No additional sutures are required for the tendon repair in chronic mallet finger surgery [13].
- Close the skin with interrupted 5-0 nylon or use 4-0 nylon as a dermotondermal suture [13].
- Maintain the finger in extension and apply a compressive dressing post-operatively [13].
- Support the finger with a volar splint for post-operative comfort and to avoid reinjury in the recovery period [13].
- Sutures are removed at 10 to 14 days post-operatively [13].
- The distal joint is maintained in extension, with the Kirschner wire protected by a small metal splint, for 4 weeks post-operatively [13].
- The Kirschner wire is removed after 4 to 6 weeks post-operatively [13].
- The repair is protected with a splint for 8 weeks post-operatively [13].
- Normal activities are progressively resumed after the post-operative protocol [13].
Complications
- Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrated minimal complications [2].
- Conservative management of neglected tendinous mallet finger injuries (2 to 4 weeks) is associated with low long-term complication rates [12].
- Large-fragment mallet finger cases managed conservatively have low complication rates [5].
- Surgical treatment of acute combined tendon and bone (double level) mallet finger injuries reported no complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity [17].
- The complication rate after operative treatment of mallet fracture was 41% [41].
- The high complication rate in operative treatment of mallet fracture is likely attributable to anatomical factors such as thin extensor tendon and poor blood supply [41].
Recovery
- Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrates adequate functional outcomes with minimal complications compared with prior literature [2].
- Large-fragment mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively with low complication rates [5].
- All cases of mallet finger are proposed to be treated with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- Early recognition of tendon rupture injuries and referrals to a hand surgeon are crucial to avoid long-term disability [11].
- Surgical treatment of acute combined tendon and bone (double level) mallet finger injuries using pullout wire fixation with distal interphalangeal joint Kirschner wire stabilization reports good to excellent long-term results with no reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity [17].
- Mallet finger injuries are frequent in football and difficult to treat during the competitive season, often requiring delayed treatment or internal splinting [19].
- Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [22].
- The Fowler procedure is the safest and most effective reconstructive measure for chronic mallet finger deformity after phalangeal fracture, offering less morbidity than osteotomy or procedures restraining proximal interphalangeal joint extension [44].
Key Evidence
- [L4] Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in this population remain unclear. [1] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.037)
- [L4] Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrated adequate functional outcome with minimal complications when compared with prior literature. [2] (10.1177/1558944719840749)
- [L4] Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes. [3] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.004)
- [L5] Today most authorities splint only the distal joint for mallet finger deformities. [4] (10.1016/s0749-0712(21)00059-7)
- [L4] Complication rates were low, suggesting that large-fragment mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively. [5] (10.1186/s12891-026-09787-w)
- [L5] Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting, although surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment. [6] (10.1007/s11552-014-9609-y)
- [L3] The role of surgery for mallet fractures of the thumb remains unclear due to their uncommon nature and favorable radiographic findings. [7] (10.1177/1558944716672192)
- [L1] After a mallet-finger injury treated within two weeks by either method few patients have significant persistent disability. [8] (10.1016/s0072-968x(82)80011-9)
- [L5] The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which they treat with extra-articular pinning. [9] (10.5999/aps.2016.43.2.134)
- [L4] Early recognition of these injuries and referrals to a hand surgeon for treatment are crucial to avoid longterm disability. [11] (10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.042)
- [L3] Conservative management of tendinous mallet finger injuries that have been neglected for 2 to 4 weeks can be treated as well as those injuries in patients presenting within the first 2 weeks of injury with low long-term complication rates. [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.06.140)
- [L2] The study recommends this splint as an alternative means of treating mallet finger. [14] (10.1136/emj.10.3.244)
- [L1] There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom-made or off-the-shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury. [15] (10.1002/14651858.cd004574.pub2)
- [L4] Although surgery is generally indicated in the case of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface as well as in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx, a significant advantage of surgical management even in those complicated cases has yet to be clearly proven. [16] (10.1177/1558944716642763)
- [L4] The study describes a surgical technique for acute combined tendon and bone mallet fingers and reports good to excellent long-term results with no reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity in the series. [17] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.011)
- [L5] Mallet finger injuries are frequent in football and difficult to treat during the competitive season, often requiring delayed treatment or internal splinting. [19] (10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.043)
- [L4] This case raises a question regarding the possible role of biochemical abnormalities causing mallet fingers. [20] (10.1177/175899830400900103)
- [L2] Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint; fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture. [21] (10.1177/1753193414554556)
- [L1] Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment. [22] (10.1007/s11552-013-9600-z)
- [L4] Hand therapists implement a diverse range of clinical skills to optimise outcome success. [23] (10.1177/1758998316664822)
- [L4] A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon. [24] (10.1197/j.jht.2008.04.002)
- [Paper] This method seems to be a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger. [25] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.013)
- [L4] The clinical efficacy of the proposed method of elastic taping for the treatment of mallet finger injuries remains to be tested vigorously. [27] (10.1016/j.jht.2014.02.005)
- [L4] Mallet deformity accounts for a minority of sporting injuries, but excellent functional outcome can be achieved with splintage and avoidance of the causative sport while splinted. [28] (10.1054/jhsb.2000.0484)
- [L4] Uncomplicated cases of mallet injuries are best treated by splinting therapy; cases that do not react to splinting therapy are best treated by surgical interventions. [29] (10.1097/prs.0b013e3181ef8ec8)
- [L5] Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have failed nonsurgical treatment, are unable to work with the splint in position, or have a fracture involving more than one third of the joint surface. [30] (10.5435/00124635-200509000-00007)
- [L4] This article provides a topical review of the contemporary literature concerning acute mallet finger injuries and proposes a modification to the Doyle classification to make it more encompassing and less prone to interobserver error. [31] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.013)
- [L4] A hand therapist can treat mallet finger injuries of type 1 as effectively as a surgeon, with a method of immobilisation that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition. [32] (10.1177/175899830501000103)
- [L4] Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children is safe and effective. [33] (10.1186/s13018-019-1106-0)
- [L4] The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence and OARSI classification systems for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed. [36] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.012)
- [L3] The modified Mallet classification demonstrated strong to excellent agreement and interrater reliability across face-to-face, live tele-assessment, and video-based conditions, suggesting it is appropriate for remote medical follow-up. [37] (10.1177/17531934231196118)
- [L3] Non-operative management of mallet fractures, regardless of fracture classification, joint congruence or pre-existing degenerate change in the DIP joint, is safe and yields predictably good outcomes in most patients. [38] (10.1177/1753193421992986)
- [L4] The complication rate after operative treatment of mallet fracture was 41%, likely attributable to anatomical factors such as thin extensor tendon and poor blood supply. [41] (10.1054/jhsb.2000.0440)
- [Case_report] The Fowler procedure was the safest and most effective reconstructive measure for this chronic mallet finger deformity, offering less morbidity than osteotomy or procedures restraining proximal interphalangeal joint extension. [44] (10.2106/00004623-197759040-00019)
- [L5] The TT is the primary structure responsible for extending the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, while adjacent retinacular structures provide stability. [46] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.04.022)
- [L5] Palmar subluxation of a DIP joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured. [47] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.09.006)
References
[1] Outcomes of Splinting in Pediatric Mallet Finger. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.037
[2] Delayed Extension Block Pinning in 27 Patients With Mallet Fracture. HAND. 2019. DOI: 10.1177/1558944719840749
[3] Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of Mallet Finger: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.004
[4] EXTENSOR TENDON INJURIES AT THE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT. Hand Clinics. 1995. DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0712(21)00059-7
[5] Surgical versus conservative management of Doyle type 4c mallet finger: a comparative study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09787-w
[6] Current Concepts: Mallet Finger. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-014-9609-y
[7] Mallet Fractures of the Thumb Compared With Mallet Fractures of the Fingers. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716672192
[8] Mallet-Finger Injuries: A Prospective, Controlled Trial of Internal and External Splintage.. Hand. 1982. DOI: 10.1016/s0072-968x(82)80011-9
[9] Review of Acute Traumatic Closed Mallet Finger Injuries in Adults. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.5999/aps.2016.43.2.134
[11] Tendon Ruptures: Mallet, FDP and ECRB Tendon Ruptures Associated with Lunotriquetral Coalitions in Professional Basketball Players. Hand Clinics. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.042
[12] Soft-Tissue Mallet Injuries: A Comparison of Early and Delayed Treatment. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.06.140
[13] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. RECONSTRUCTION OF FINGER FLEXORS: SINGLE-STAGE TENDON GRAFT > CHRONIC MALLET FINGER (SECONDARY REPAIR).
[14] The conservative treatment of mallet finger with a simple splint: a case report.. Emergency Medicine Journal. 1993. DOI: 10.1136/emj.10.3.244
[15] Interventions for treating mallet finger injuries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004574.pub2
[16] The Diagnosis and Management of Mallet Finger Injuries. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716642763
[17] Pullout Wire Fixation Together With Distal Interphalangeal Joint Kirschner Wire Stabilization for Acute Combined Tendon and Bone (Double Level) Mallet Finger Injury. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.011
[18] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 9Hand Surgery > 3. Mallet Finger.
[19] Tendon Ruptures: Mallet, FDP in Football. Hand Clinics. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.043
[20] Bilateral Mallet Fingers: A Case Study. The British Journal of Hand Therapy. 2004. DOI: 10.1177/175899830400900103
[21] The risk factors associated with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint in mallet fracture. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2014. DOI: 10.1177/1753193414554556
[22] A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Night Splinting with No Splinting after Treatment of Mallet Finger. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-013-9600-z
[23] How do hand therapists conservatively manage acute, closed mallet finger? A survey of members of the British Association of Hand Therapists. Hand Therapy. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1758998316664822
[24] Hand Therapist-led Management of Mallet Finger. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2008. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2008.04.002
[25] A new surgical treatment for mallet finger deformity: Deepithelialised pedicled skin flap technique. Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.013
[27] A novel way of treating mallet finger injuries. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2014.02.005
[28] Mallet Deformity in Sport. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2001. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2000.0484
[29] Treatment Options for Mallet Finger: A Review. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e3181ef8ec8
[30] Mallet Finger. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2005. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200509000-00007
[31] Acute Mallet Finger Injuries—A Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.013
[32] Hand Therapist-led Management of Mallet Finger. The British Journal of Hand Therapy. 2005. DOI: 10.1177/175899830501000103
[33] Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2019. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-019-1106-0
[34] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. CASE STUDY 5.2 Unusual Mallet Finger Presentation.
[36] Rater Agreement of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint 12 Years After a Mallet Finger Fracture. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.012
[37] Interrater reliability of face-to-face, tele- and video-based assessments with the modified Mallet classification in brachial plexus birth injuries. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2023. DOI: 10.1177/17531934231196118
[38] The non-operative management of bony mallet injuries. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2021. DOI: 10.1177/1753193421992986
[41] Complications of Operative Treatment for Mallet Fractures of the Distal Phalanx. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2001. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2000.0440
[44] Mallet deformity of a finger after phalangeal fracture. Case report of treatment by the Fowler procedure. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1977. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-197759040-00019
[46] The terminal tendon of the digital extensor mechanism: Part I, anatomic study. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.04.022
[47] A Biomechanical Study of Distal Interphalangeal Joint Subluxation After Mallet Fracture Injury. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.09.006




