This 2005 JAAOS review examines mallet finger — disruption of the terminal extensor tendon at the DIP joint — covering anatomy, injury classification, and the evidence for nonsurgical versus surgical management across acute and chronic presentations.
When you see a closed mallet finger — even presenting weeks after injury — start with DIP extension splinting before considering surgery; reserve operative intervention for large fracture fragments (>1/3 articular surface), volar subluxation, or failed conservative management, and counsel patients that surgical complication rates exceed those of splinting and are more often permanent.
This 2005 JAAOS review examines mallet finger — disruption of the terminal extensor tendon at the DIP joint — covering anatomy, injury classification, and the evidence for nonsurgical versus surgical management across acute and chronic presentations.
When you see a closed mallet finger — even presenting weeks after injury — start with DIP extension splinting before considering surgery; reserve operative intervention for large fracture fragments (>1/3 articular surface), volar subluxation, or failed conservative management, and counsel patients that surgical complication rates exceed those of splinting and are more often permanent.