Mallet finger

In medicine, mallet finger, also extremely large softball finger, dropped finger and (more generally) extensor tendon injury, is an injury of the extensor digitorum tendon of the fingers at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. It results from hyperflexion of the extensor digitorum tendon, and usually occurs when a ball (such as a softball, basketball, or volleyball), while being caught, hits an outstretched finger and jams it.

It is also hereditary, as some people with mallet fingers often have at least one parent or grandparent with the same type of fingers. It does not always result from an injury.

Management options include putting the finger in a Mallet splint for 6 to 8 weeks or extension block k-wire for 4 weeks. This allows the tendon to reattach, if the finger is bent during these weeks the healing process must start all over again.