Paluch młotkowaty
Objawy

Palec młotkowaty (mallet finger) to deformacja wynikająca z uszkodzenia ścięgna prostownika w okolicy stawu międzypaliczkowego dalszego (DIP), uniemożliwiająca aktywne prostowanie końcówki palca, co objawia się charakterystycznym opadaniem palca. Uszkodzenie może obejmować sam ścięgno lub awulsję kostną. Typowe objawy to ból, obrzęk, zasinienie, tkliwość oraz ograniczony zakres ruchu w stawie DIP. W przypadku powikłań mogą pojawić się krwiak podpaznokciowy, oddzielenie paznokcia, a także guzki na grzbietowej stronie stawu. Nieleczony palec młotkowaty może prowadzić do trwałej deformacji, w tym deformacji typu łabędzia szyja (swan neck deformity), która rozwija się zwykle po minimum 2 miesiącach i charakteryzuje się przeprostem stawu PIP oraz zgięciem stawu DIP, co znacząco ogranicza funkcję palca.

Definicja palca młotkowatego

Palec młotkowaty (ang. mallet finger), nazywany również palcem baseball’owym, jest deformacją palca spowodowaną uszkodzeniem ścięgna prostownika w okolicy stawu międzypaliczkowego dalszego (DIP). Uszkodzenie to uniemożliwia aktywne prostowanie końcowego stawu palca, powodując charakterystyczne opadanie końcówki palca w kierunku dłoni.12 Uszkodzenie może dotyczyć samego ścięgna lub obejmować również oderwanie fragmentu kości (awulsję).3

Objawy palca młotkowatego

Główne objawy

Najważniejszym i najbardziej charakterystycznym objawem palca młotkowatego jest opadanie końcówki palca oraz niemożność jej aktywnego wyprostowania. Pacjent może wyprostować palec jedynie przy pomocy drugiej ręki.123 Ten charakterystyczny objaw sprawia, że końcówka palca przybiera kształt przypominający młotek, co jest podstawą nazwy tej deformacji.3

Objawy towarzyszące

Oprócz niemożności wyprostowania końcówki palca, pacjenci z palcem młotkowatym mogą doświadczać:

  • Bólu, zwłaszcza bezpośrednio po urazie, który może być silniejszy w przypadku współistniejącego złamania45
  • Obrzęku wokół stawu międzypaliczkowego dalszego67
  • Zasinienia i zaczerwienienia w okolicy urazu13
  • Tkliwości w miejscu urazu8
  • Ograniczonego zakresu ruchu w stawie DIP910

Zaawansowane i powikłane objawy

W niektórych przypadkach mogą wystąpić bardziej zaawansowane objawy, takie jak:

  • Gromadzenie się krwi pod paznokciem (krwiak podpaznokciowy)63
  • Oddzielenie się paznokcia od łożyska83
  • Zaburzenia chwytania przedmiotów11
  • Guzek lub zgrubienie na grzbietowej stronie stawu13

Obecność krwi pod paznokciem lub oddzielenie paznokcia od łożyska może wskazywać na uraz łożyska paznokcia lub złamanie otwarte, co wymaga natychmiastowej pomocy medycznej.612

Przebieg i progresja schorzenia

Naturalny przebieg nieleczonego palca młotkowatego

Jeśli palec młotkowaty nie zostanie odpowiednio leczony, może prowadzić do długotrwałych komplikacji i utrwalenia deformacji. Nieleczony palec młotkowaty może skutkować:12

Deformacja typu łabędzia szyja

Jednym z najpoważniejszych powikłań nieleczonego palca młotkowatego jest rozwój deformacji typu łabędzia szyja (swan neck deformity). W tej deformacji staw międzypaliczkowy bliższy (PIP) ulega przeprostowi w celu kompensacji zgięcia stawu dalszego.1617 Taka deformacja znacząco zaburza funkcję palca, powodując trudności w zginaniu palca i wykonywaniu precyzyjnych czynności manualnych.16

Deformacja łabędziej szyi wynika z zaburzenia równowagi między ścięgnami zginacza i prostownika palca, co prowadzi do nieprawidłowego rozkładu sił działających na stawy.1518 Problem ten zazwyczaj rozwija się po co najmniej 2 miesiącach od wystąpienia nieleczonego urazu.17

Fazy procesu zdrowienia

Proces zdrowienia w palcu młotkowatym można podzielić na kilka faz:14

  • Faza ostra (0-2 tygodnie) – charakteryzuje się bólem, obrzękiem i zasinienem
  • Faza gojenia (4-8 tygodni) – ścięgno zaczyna się goić, wymaga unieruchomienia
  • Faza przebudowy (8-16 tygodni) – tkanka ścięgnista ulega wzmocnieniu i przebudowie

Czas gojenia zależy od rodzaju urazu:1920

  • Jeśli ścięgno jest jedynie rozciągnięte, gojenie trwa około 4-6 tygodni przy stałym noszeniu szyny
  • Jeśli ścięgno jest przerwane lub oderwane od kości, gojenie zajmuje około 6-8 tygodni stałego unieruchomienia
  • Po okresie stałego unieruchomienia, przez kolejne 3-4 tygodnie szynę należy nosić tylko w nocy

Objawy prognostyczne i komplikacje

Objawy wskazujące na niekompletne gojenie

Istnieją pewne objawy, które mogą wskazywać na niekompletne gojenie się palca młotkowatego:1921

  • Utrzymujący się obrzęk po zdjęciu szyny może świadczyć o niezagojonym ścięgnie
  • Brak poprawy w prostowaniu palca mimo stosowania leczenia przez zalecany okres
  • Powracające dolegliwości bólowe
  • Zwiększona sztywność palca

W takich przypadkach może być konieczne wykonanie dodatkowych badań obrazowych, takich jak RTG, aby ocenić stan gojenia.20

Możliwe komplikacje

Nawet przy prawidłowym leczeniu, w niektórych przypadkach mogą wystąpić następujące komplikacje:122

  • Niepełne wyprostowanie końcówki palca – niewielki deficyt wyprostowania (tzw. extensor lag) jest często obserwowany, nawet po prawidłowym leczeniu122
  • Niewielki guzek lub zgrubienie na grzbietowej stronie stawu23
  • Sztywność stawu, szczególnie w początkowym okresie po zakończeniu leczenia24
  • Przewlekłe zaczerwienienie i tkliwość skóry nad stawem DIP, które mogą utrzymywać się nawet przez kilka miesięcy po urazie2523
  • Zapalenie stawów – w przypadkach, gdy palec młotkowaty nie był prawidłowo leczony, może rozwinąć się zapalenie stawów powodujące ból i sztywność26

Prognozy długookresowe

Większość pacjentów z palcem młotkowatym osiąga zadowalające rezultaty po odpowiednim leczeniu, z pełnym lub niemal pełnym przywróceniem funkcji palca.12 Optymalny wynik leczenia zależy od:2714

  • Czasu rozpoczęcia leczenia – im wcześniej rozpoczęte, tym lepsze rokowanie
  • Dokładności stosowania się do zaleceń dotyczących unieruchomienia
  • Rodzaju urazu – urazy bez złamania zwykle mają lepsze rokowanie
  • Zaangażowania pacjenta w proces rehabilitacji

Pełny powrót do normalnej funkcji może zająć od kilku tygodni do kilku miesięcy. Pierwsze trzy do czterech miesięcy po urazie mogą wiązać się z utrzymującym się zaczerwienieniem, obrzękiem i tkliwością, które zazwyczaj ustępują z czasem.425

Warto podkreślić, że nawet jeśli po leczeniu pozostaje niewielki deficyt wyprostowania końcówki palca, nie wpływa to zazwyczaj negatywnie na funkcję palca.2228

Diagnostyka i różnice diagnostyczne

Rozpoznanie kliniczne

Rozpoznanie palca młotkowatego opiera się głównie na badaniu klinicznym. Charakterystyczny wygląd palca z opadającą końcówką oraz niemożność aktywnego wyprostowania stawu międzypaliczkowego dalszego są zazwyczaj wystarczające do postawienia diagnozy.229

Diagnostyka różnicowa powinna uwzględniać:30

  • Zwykłe skręcenie palca
  • Zerwanie ścięgna zginacza (palec sprężynujący)
  • Złamanie w obrębie palca
  • Zwichnięcie stawu międzypaliczkowego

Badania diagnostyczne

Aby potwierdzić diagnozę i wykluczyć współistniejące urazy, stosuje się następujące badania:2731

  • RTG – pozwala ocenić, czy doszło do awulsji (oderwania fragmentu kości) oraz czy staw jest prawidłowo ustawiony29
  • USG – rzadziej stosowane, może pomóc w ocenie uszkodzenia ścięgna32
  • MRI – stosowany sporadycznie w skomplikowanych przypadkach32

Badania obrazowe są szczególnie ważne w przypadkach, gdy istnieje podejrzenie złamania awulsyjnego lub zwichnięcia stawu międzypaliczkowego dalszego.29

Podsumowanie objawów palca młotkowatego

Palec młotkowaty charakteryzuje się charakterystycznym opadaniem końcówki palca spowodowanym uszkodzeniem ścięgna prostownika. Główne objawy to niemożność aktywnego wyprostowania końcówki palca oraz ból, obrzęk i zasinienie w okolicy urazu. Nieleczony palec młotkowaty może prowadzić do trwałej deformacji, w tym deformacji typu łabędzia szyja, oraz ograniczenia funkcji palca.12

Odpowiednio wczesne i prawidłowe leczenie, polegające przede wszystkim na unieruchomieniu palca w szynie przez 6-8 tygodni, prowadzi zazwyczaj do zadowalających rezultatów, choć niewielki deficyt wyprostowania może utrzymywać się nawet po zakończeniu leczenia.122 Ważne jest, aby pacjenci byli świadomi, że pełny powrót do normalnego funkcjonowania palca może zająć kilka miesięcy, a w tym czasie mogą utrzymywać się objawy takie jak zaczerwienienie, obrzęk i tkliwość.425

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Mallet Finger: What It Is, Complications & Recovery Time
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21825-mallet-finger
    Mallet finger occurs when the tip of your finger droops downward. An injury to your extensor tendon causes it. […] The main symptom of mallet finger is that your fingertip droops and you cant straighten it. It usually follows an injury. Your finger may be red and swollen, especially if your injury involves a fracture (broken bone). Bruising may also appear after 48 hours. […] If you dont get treatment for mallet finger, it might be permanent. It can also lead to further deformity in your finger. […] Most mallet finger injuries will heal if you wear a finger splint to keep it in the right position. Youll wear it for at least six to eight weeks, and often longer, day and night. […] Most fingers recover from mallet finger injuries, as long as they get treatment soon enough. After splinting and some hand therapy, you should be able to straighten your fingertip again. Sometimes, it remains a little bit bent, or theres a bump on the underside of the joint, but it still functions normally.
  • #2 Mallet Finger – OrthoInfo – AAOS
    https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/mallet-finger-baseball-finger/
    Mallet finger is an injury to the thin tendon that straightens the end joint of a finger or thumb. […] The finger is usually painful, swollen, and bruised. […] The fingertip will droop noticeably. […] The fingertip will straighten only if you push it up with your other hand. […] Mallet finger injuries that are not treated properly typically result in stiffness and deformity of the injured fingertip. […] In the worst-case scenario, untreated mallet finger can result in significant deformity and poor function (swan neck deformity). […] However, when treated promptly, the majority of mallet finger injuries can be treated without surgery, with a splint. […] Regardless of treatment, most patients with mallet finger have a good outcome when properly and promptly treated.
  • #3 Mallet finger – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallet_finger
    Inability to extend the finger tip, pain and bruising of the finger. […] There is generally pain and bruising at the back side of the farthest away finger joint. […] A mallet finger usually results from overbending of the finger tip. […] The diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and supported by X-rays. […] Without proper treatment, the finger may be permanently deformed. […] Treatment is generally with a splint that holds the fingertip straight continuously for 8 weeks. […] This should begin within a week of the injury. […] If the finger is bent during these weeks, healing may take longer. […] Surgery generally does not improve outcomes. […] If the problem has been present a long time surgery may also be required.
  • #3 8 Signs of a Mallet Finger | The Hand Society
    https://www.assh.org/handcare/blog/8-signs-of-a-mallet-finger
    The end joint of the finger, just before the fingernail, droops and looks crooked. […] The fingertip cannot straighten on its own. […] The injured finger has the appearance of a mallet or hammer. […] A bump has appeared just below the nail on the back of the finger. […] The finger is swollen. […] The finger is bruised. […] There is blood beneath the fingernail. […] The fingernail has detached from the nailbed at the base. […] If any of the symptoms on this list apply to you, you may have a mallet finger and should seek medical attention within the first few days to prevent further complications. […] Mallet fingers that are left untreated will be painful, may not function properly, and may result in a permanent droop to the finger.
  • #4 Mallet Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/mallet-finger
    Your finger may feel painful after the injury, and your finger tip will droop. Youll still be able to use your hand. Pain is often associated with a bone fracture. […] Other mallet finger symptoms are: redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, inability to straighten your fingertip unless you use your other hand to hold it up. […] If a mallet finger is left untreated, your finger can become stiff. Or the finger may develop a swan neck deformity, where the joint bends the wrong way. […] Recovery time for mallet finger is usually eight weeks. It can be longer if you dont keep to the splinting routine as directed. […] Most people heal well. You may not gain full ability to straighten the end of your finger at first. Your finger may be red, swollen, and tender. But these problems usually resolve after three to four months.
  • #5 Mallet Finger Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
    https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/mallet-finger
    People with mallet finger may delay seeking medical attention — even though they may be in a great deal of pain — simply because they can still use their hand. Symptoms may include the following: […] Pain, tenderness, and swelling at the outermost joint immediately after the injury […] Swelling and redness soon after the injury […] Inability to completely extend the finger while still being able to move it with help.
  • #6 Mallet Finger: Symptoms & Treatment | The Hand Society
    https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/mallet-finger
    In a mallet finger, the fingertip droops and cannot straighten on its own. It is often at first appearance just a jammed finger. The finger may be painful, swollen, or bruised. A bump may appear just below the nail on the back of the finger. […] Blood can collect beneath the nail, and the nail can even become detached at the base. This occurs most commonly with the broken-bone type of mallet finger. […] Medical attention should be sought within the first few days after the injury, especially if there is blood beneath the nail or if the nail is detached at the base. This may be a sign of a nail bed injury or an open (compound) fracture. […] If a mallet finger is not treated promptly, the finger may not function properly and may cause pain. Continued pain and repeated injuries are more likely due to a problem in the joint.
  • #7 Mallet finger
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mallet-finger/
    If you have mallet finger the tip of your finger will bend and you will not be able to straighten it. […] Your finger may also be painful or tender. […] Your finger may also be swollen or bruised. […] If you have mallet finger, the finger needs to be kept straight to let the injury heal. […] If the injury does not heal, you may need to wear the splint again for another 8 weeks. […] If you have mallet finger, it can take several months for the finger to get back to normal. […] Tenderness, swelling and redness are common for the first few months.
  • #8 Mallet Finger: What Is It and How Is It Treated? | Hand Center of Louisiana
    https://handsurgical.com/common-conditions/mallet-finger/
    Mallet finger, also known as drop finger or baseball finger, is a tendon injury that typically occurs at the end of the finger or thumb. […] When a mallet finger injury occurs, you’ll find it impossible to straighten your finger on your own. It may also noticeably droop at the tip, and you might experience pain, tenderness and swelling immediately after the injury. It can also be painful and appear bruised and red. […] The primary symptoms of mallet finger include: Pain, Swelling, Bruising, Tenderness, Detached finger, Redness under the fingernail bed, Inability to extend the fingertip without help. […] Pain typically shoots up around the top of the finger behind the nail. […] The degree of deformity relates to the injury level. Sometimes, mallet finger can cause a joint fracture if the affected tendon connects to a piece of bone. […] The tendon might tear or even detach from the finger bone with a mallet finger injury. In some cases, it might damage the finger bone and tendon. The injury can also cause swelling or inflammation.
  • #9 Mallet Finger Treatment Round Rock, Kyle | Mallet Finger Surgery Bastrop, Buda
    https://www.artvillarrealmd.com/mallet-finger-austin-cedar-park-georgetown/
    A mallet finger is a condition where the end of the finger is bent and does not straighten. […] The main symptoms of mallet finger are drooping of the finger at the distal joint, pain and swelling around the area and limited range of motion at the joint. […] If left untreated, mallet finger can develop into a finger joint deformity referred to as a swan neck deformity.
  • #10 Mallet Finger Surgery Seattle, WA | Finger Deformity Kent, West Seattle
    https://www.ericpangmd.com/mallet-finger-orthopedic-surgeon-seattle-federal-way-kent-wa.html
    The main symptoms of mallet finger are drooping of the finger at the distal joint, pain and swelling around the area and limited range of motion at the joint. […] If left untreated, mallet finger can develop into a finger joint deformity referred to as a swan neck deformity.
  • #11 How to Know If You Have a Mallet Finger
    https://www.hand2shouldercenter.com/do-you-have-a-mallet-finger-heres-how-to-know/
    Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger, is a condition that can impact the tip of your finger, specifically the last joint. It is usually caused by a sudden forceful injury to the extensor tendons that straighten your finger. […] The most obvious sign of mallet finger is the inability to fully extend the tip of your finger. Even if you try, you’ll find that the affected finger remains bent at the last joint. […] Following a mallet finger injury, you may experience pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected joint. This discomfort can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. […] Due to the injury, blood vessels can rupture, leading to bruising and discoloration beneath the nail bed of the affected finger. […] Mallet finger can impair your ability to grip objects properly, affecting everyday activities such as writing, typing, or holding utensils.
  • #12 How Can I Tell If I have Mallet or Trigger Finger? – Hand and Wrist Institute
    https://handandwristinstitute.com/how-can-i-tell-if-i-have-mallet-or-trigger-finger/
    Mallet finger occurs when you sustain a blunt force at the tip of your finger. The condition typically results from heavy impact, such as from a baseball. However, mallet finger can result from something as simple as tucking in a bed sheet with too much force. Regardless of the cause, the extensor tendon on the top of the finger either ruptures or pulls away from the bone. The tendon may also take a small piece of bone away with it. With the tendon detached, the fingertip can no longer extend. […] The most common symptoms of mallet finger include: Drooping at the fingertip. The inability to straighten the fingertip. Tenderness along the finger. Swelling, bruising, and redness on the finger. Redness beneath the fingernail bed. A detached fingernail. […] It’s important to note that bruising or discoloration around the fingernail can indicate a penetrating injury that extends from a cut in the nail bed down to the open fracture. A detached fingernail may indicate the same thing. You should seek immediate medical treatment if you notice these symptoms, as you have an increased risk for infection that a physician must treat right away.
  • #13 Mallet Finger: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & Treatment
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/bones-joints-and-muscles/mallet-finger
    The symptoms of mallet finger appear almost instantly as the injury occurs. Common symptoms of mallet finger include: […] The injury should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent damage to your finger. […] If you receive prompt treatment and follow your treatment plan, mallet finger rarely leads to complications. However, if you delay getting treatment, your finger may not heal properly causing the fingertip to permanently droop—a deformity that limits use of the finger.
  • #14 What Is Mallet Finger and How Do I Know if I Have It?
    https://fortworthhandcenter.com/orthopedic/what-is-mallet-finger/
    Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? […] Pain and/or swelling in the injured finger […] A noticeable droop or bend in the tip of the finger […] Inability to straighten the fingertip unless you push it up with your other hand […] Bruising and redness at the injury site […] A detached fingernail. […] While very painful when the injury first occurs, mallet finger is not life-threatening and typically isn’t permanent as long as it is treated quickly. […] Mallet finger is an injury to the thin tendon that straightens the end joint of a finger or thumb. […] If you do nothing, the finger will remain bent and could likely result in limited function moving forward, permanent stiffness, or deformity of the finger. […] Most patients experience quality outcomes.
  • #15 Treatment for Mallet Finger | Will I Need Surgery? | Orthopedic Institute of NJ
    https://orthopedicnj.com/news/treatment-for-mallet-finger
    The main symptom of this injury is the inability to straighten your finger. Pain is sometimes also present, but the type of pain (as well as its origin) may vary. While in some scenarios, the pain is immediate, in other scenarios, it develops over time. Some people actually do not have any pain. […] Still, the inability to straighten your finger will most indicate the injury. […] Its important to understand that, unless you take this seriously, a mallet finger can permanently deform the finger. This means that you will never be able to fully straighten your finger, which is a huge problem on its own. In addition, it may cause other joints of the finger to develop a deformity known as swan neck deformity, as the flexor and extensor tendons are imbalanced if the mallet finger is not healed, and this imbalance may cause the middle knuckle of the finger to hyperextend. […] Generally speaking, the most important thing is that theres a resolution of symptoms and that your finger now has active extension. It may still droop a little, but not as much as before.
  • #16 Mallet Finger: What It Is and How to Treat It | University of Utah Health
    https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/05/mallet-finger-what-it-and-how-treat-it
    Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger, is an injury to the last joint on your finger that causes a deformity where the finger appears crooked or drooping. […] If you have the following symptoms after a finger injury, see a doctor as soon as you can, ideally within a few days of the injury: Inability to straighten the finger, A drooping appearance of the fingertip, Pain, swelling, or bruising around the area, Blood collecting underneath the nail, Detached fingernail. […] If left untreated, your finger could become stiff and have a higher risk of reinjury. Untreated mallet finger can also lead to a condition called swan neck deformity, where the joint below your injury becomes hyperextended to compensate for the flexion happening in the last knuckle. […] All of the tendons that straighten out your finger are an intricate balance of things, and when that balance gets disrupted, it can cause deformities like the swan neck deformity, where you might have trouble actually bending your finger. […] With prompt and proper medical treatment, most people with a mallet finger injury make full recoveries and can resume normal activities after a few weeks of healing.
  • #17 Mallet Finger: Cut your finger’s tendon off – ask the Hand Expert
    https://handtherapy.co.za/finger/mallet-finger/
    When delaying treatment the tendon may never reattach or bone fragments will heal in an awkward position that can permanently deform your finger. […] Delaying treatment for more than 2 months, might lead to a Swan Neck deformity. This is when the middle joint of the finger hyperextends and the tip of the finger stays bent. You will have considerable difficulty to use your hand, specifically to grab, hold, pull or grasp objects.
  • #18 The Diagnosis and Management of Mallet Finger Injuries
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5480656/
    Mallet finger is a common injury of the extensor tendon insertion causing an extension lag of the distal interphalangeal joint. […] The main complains patients present with are pain in the affected joint, deformity, and a functional deficit. […] The resulting deformity is an extension lag at the distal interphalangeal joint. If left untreated, a mallet finger can be complicated by development of osteoarthritis at the distal interphalangeal joint or possibly hyperextension (swan-neck) deformity at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint as a result of proximal retraction of the central slip. […] In the case of chronic injuries, hyperextension at the proximal interphalangeal joint might develop as a result of migration of the extensor apparatus proximally and increased extension tone across the proximal interphalangeal joint.
  • #19 Mallet finger – aftercare Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/mallet-finger-aftercare
    Mallet finger occurs when this tendon: […] If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in 4 to 6 weeks if you wear a splint all the time. […] If your tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, it should heal in 6 to 8 weeks of wearing a splint all the time. […] Swelling in your finger when you are no longer wearing the splint may be a sign that the tendon has not healed yet.
  • #20 Mallet finger – aftercare: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000538.htm
    Mallet finger occurs when you cannot straighten your finger at its last joint. When you do try to straighten it, the tip of your finger remains bent toward your palm. […] Mallet finger most often occurs when something hits the tip of your straightened finger and bends it down with force. […] If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in 4 to 6 weeks if you wear a splint all the time. If your tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, it should heal in 6 to 8 weeks of wearing a splint all the time. After that, you will need to wear your splint for another 3 to 4 weeks, at night only. […] Swelling in your finger when you are no longer wearing the splint may be a sign that the tendon has not healed yet. You may need another x-ray of your finger.
  • #21 Mallet Finger? What You Need to Know — Vive Health
    https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/mallet-finger?srsltid=AfmBOopDzZ06i3pcXk9JnzyQR9r5RoJqnTDQLQ5q0Cx0RSnNvjXgAEVX
    Common symptoms associated with mallet finger include the following: […] Inability to straighten the top of the finger (a finger droop), unless helped by the other hand. […] While the condition is usually easily managed, there are a few troublesome symptoms to look out for. They include: […] Severe pain or swelling. […] The estimated nonsurgical mallet finger recovery time is 4 to 6 weeks if you wear your splint full time. […] If swelling is present after taking off a splint or your finger is still deformed, it is still injured and you may even need to get another x-ray. […] Your injured finger will most likely be healed after four weeks if its a minor injury, or six weeks if theres a small fracture.
  • #22 Mallet Finger Westchester county – Baseball Finger Harrison
    https://specialtyorthony.com/conditions/hand-wrist-conditions/mallet-finger/
    The symptoms of a mallet finger are normally quite obvious. Not only does the patient experience pain, swelling and bruising soon after injury, but the fingertip droops noticeably. Occasionally, blood accumulates beneath the nail or the nail becomes detached from the nail bed. […] For most patients, wearing the splint is the only necessary treatment for a mallet finger. During the healing process, the splint may be removed for cleaning, but patients should take care to keep the finger straight while the splint is off. Patients are able to return to most normal activities during recovery, as long as the splint remains in place. Even with appropriate treatment and care, some patients may not regain full extension of the fingertip, but will have full, or almost full, finger function.
  • #23 Mallet finger injury
    https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/28/mallet_finger_injury
    A mallet finger injury is a tear of tendon that straightens the end joint of the finger. […] The end of the finger lies in a bent position. […] Inability to hold the finger straight at the end joint. […] There may be slight loss of full straightening at the completion of treatment, and it may take several months to regain satisfactory function. […] Redness, swelling and tenderness of the skin on top of the end joint are common for three or four months after injury, but usually settle eventually. […] Mallet fractures may leave a small bump on the top of the end joint and slight loss of bending of the joint, but pain is rare and the finger generally functions well. […] Occasionally the tendon fails to repair itself.
  • #24 Mallet finger injury
    https://leaflets.ekhuft.nhs.uk/mallet-finger-injury/html/
    Symptoms include: […] the end of your finger lies in a bent position; or […] you are not able to hold your finger straight at the end joint. […] Occasionally you may be left with a slight loss of the ability to straighten your finger-tip fully and slight stiffness at the end joint of your finger, compared with your other fingers. […] Redness and tenderness of the skin on top of the end joint are common for three to four months after your injury, but this usually settles with time. […] Occasionally stiffness may happen in your fingers. This is usually short-term and only occasionally needs therapy.
  • #25 Mallet Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/mallet-finger
    A finger that bends down at the end joint and cannot be straightened is called a mallet finger. It is caused by an injury to the tendon that straightens (extends) the finger. […] After the injury, the end of your finger may: Be painful and swollen. Lie in a bent (flexed) position. Not be able to straighten (extend) at the end. […] It may take several months for your finger to fully recover its function. Any redness, swelling and tenderness of your skin over the end of your finger may persist for the first few months after the injury. These symptoms will usually improve eventually.
  • #26 Mallet Finger | Hand, Wrist, Elbow Orthopedics in NJ | Seaview Orthopaedics
    https://seaviewortho.com/hand-wrist-elbow-orthopedics/mallet-finger/
    Mallet finger usually occurs on the dominant hand. The fingers most commonly injured are the middle, ring and small fingers. Symptoms of mallet finger include the following: […] Bruising […] Inability to extend the affected finger […] Pain and tenderness at the site of injury […] Swelling at the site of injury — swelling can last even up to a year. […] Arthritis. A mallet finger that was not properly treated can lead to arthritis, which can cause pain and stiffness in the affected finger joint. […] Without proper treatment, the finger can become stiff, deformed and arthritic.
  • #27
    https://www.orthobullets.com/hand/6014/mallet-finger
    Mallet Finger is a finger deformity caused by disruption of the terminal extensor tendon distal to DIP joint. […] Diagnosis is made clinically when the distal phalanx rests at ~45 of flexion with lack of active DIP extension. […] Symptoms include painful and swollen DIP joint following impaction injury to finger, often in ball sports. […] Physical exam shows fingertip rest at ~45 of flexion and lack of active DIP extension. […] Imaging findings often see bony avulsion at the base of the distal phalanx. […] Nonoperative treatment includes extension splinting of DIP joint for 6-8 weeks for 24 hours daily. […] Outcomes show no differences in patient satisfaction or extensor lag between operative and nonoperative treatment, with ~80% of patients having satisfactory outcome.
  • #28 Mallet Finger | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/mallet-finger
    Mallet finger is an injury to the end of a finger. It happens when an object, like a ball, hits the tip of a finger and bends the joint down too fast and too far. The force of the hit can either tear the extensor tendon or break the bone. […] A finger bent at the last joint that cant straighten on its own. A pop or tearing feeling in the finger at the time of injury. Bruising after 48 hours. Pain when moving the injured finger. Tenderness, swelling, and warmth, especially on the back of the finger or joint. […] After the injury heals and your child doesnt need to wear the splint or cast anymore, the finger may not be perfectly straight. There may be a bump on the back of the finger. This is common but usually doesnt affect how the finger works.
  • #29 Mallet Finger | Andrews Sports Medicine
    https://www.andrewssportsmedicine.com/conditions-treatments/-mallet-finger
    Mallet Finger is an injury to the end of the finger that causes it to bend inward towards the palm. […] This condition is an injury to the end of the extensor tendon that straightens the finger’s end joint, called the DIP joint. It results in drooping of the fingertip, and prevents the finger from being straightened. […] In a mallet finger, the fingertip droops: it cannot straighten on its own power. The finger may be painful, swollen, and bruised, especially if there is an associated fracture, but often the only finding is the inability to straighten the tip. Occasionally, blood collects beneath the nail. The nail can even become detached from beneath the skin fold at the base of the nail. […] The diagnosis is evident by the appearance of the finger. Doctors will often order x-rays to see if a piece of bone pulled away and to make sure the joint is aligned.
  • #30 Mallet Finger Treatment | Sydney Orthopaedic Surgeon
    https://sydneyorthopaedicsurgeon.com.au/hands/mallet-finger/
    Less overt symptoms of Mallet Finger may include pain, swelling, and bruising. The pain can vary in intensity, from mild to severe, and is typically localised to the injured finger. Swelling and bruising result from the bodys natural response to injury and may further contribute to discomfort and visual changes in the affected area. […] Distinguishing Mallet Finger from similar injuries, such as a simple finger sprain or strain, is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. While sprains and strains may share some symptoms with Mallet Finger, the characteristic drooping of the fingertip sets Mallet Finger apart. […] If you suspect that youve developed Mallet Finger based on these symptoms or if youre unsure about the nature of your finger injury, its advisable to seek the advice of Dr Kirkham. Your consultation with Dr Kirkham can provide a definitive diagnosis, allowing for timely intervention and a tailored treatment plan to address your specific condition, setting you on course for a smooth recovery.
  • #31 Mallet Finger
    https://www.osmifw.com/hand-therapy-center-in-fort-worth/mallet-finger/
    A doctor will often arrange an X-Ray to determine whether any fragments of bone have also detached with the tearing of the tendon and assess whether the joint is properly aligned. […] Splints are most often the only treatment necessary for the healing of a mallet finger. Different kinds of splints can be worn to help the process. A splint needs to be worn for between six to eight weeks. […] It is not uncommon for patients to wear the splint full time for eight weeks and then part time in the following three or four weeks. When the splint is fully removed, it is possible that full extension and free movement in the finger will not be regained immediately.
  • #32 Mallet Finger: Symptoms & Treatment | Proliance – Puget Sound Orthopaedics
    https://pugetsoundorthopaedics.com/specialties/hand/mallet-finger/
    Mallet finger is a common problem for several types of athletes, namely baseball players. Mallet finger involves an injury at the tip of your finger that makes you unable to straighten it completely. […] A mallet finger injury is sometimes referred to as droop finger or baseball finger. It is an injury to the tendon that allows the tip of your finger or thumb to straighten. With mallet finger injuries, the tendons in your finger can tear or detach from the finger bone, causing pain, swelling and bruising. […] The symptoms of this finger injury include: Swelling, Bruising, Redness, Tenderness, A detached fingernail, Redness underneath the fingernail bed, Unable to straighten the tip of the finger. […] To properly diagnose your mallet finger injury, you will most likely have to see a doctor and get an X-ray done. Your doctor will be able to look at your X-ray and see if the tendon has been injured, torn, or detached from the finger bone. Another way a doctor may examine the injury is by using ultrasound or MRI, but this is quite rare.