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Mallet Finger.

You have been treated for a Mallet Finger Injury. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.

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Mallet Finger Care Instructions

You have torn the tendon that straightens the end joint of your finger.

We call this a ‘mallet’ injury.

To treat this the joint must be held straight in a splint for 6–8 weeks, as tendons heal only very slowly.

If the finger is allowed to bend during this time, healing will not occur and the ‘droop’ of the finger will be permanent. The splint should therefore be removed only for cleaning and while keeping the finger straight.

Do not

Attempt to examine the healing by bending the fingertip until advised by the treating doctor.

Wear any rings on this hand until the injured finger has healed. All rings must be removed to avoid swelling and circulation problems.

Do

Keep your hand elevated and exercise all its joints, except the splinted joint!

Your fingertip droops because the tendon to extend it has snapped.

The treatment is to avoid letting your fingertip drop at all times for a minimum of 6–8 weeks.

Your fingertip must be supported in straight position either by a firm object or the pad of your thumb if you are not using your splint.

The splint should be slid on and off with the finger on a flat surface.

The splint (which may vary in design) will allow the tip to be kept extended when the hand is in use. It must be removed at intervals for the purpose of hygiene to the finger and cleaning of the splint. During the time out of splint, the finger should be kept flat on a solid surface.

The splint must be applied to allow the joint below the affected one to bend.

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Mallet Finger.

Mallet Finger Care Instructions

Do not

Do

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