It is also known as the baseball finger, in which the ball hits the distal phalanx and forcibly flexes the joint. This will usually result in an avulsion of the attachment of extensor tendon to the distal phalanx, usually accompanied with a flake of bone.
It can be an open (ie with a wound - in which case the tendon is cut) or closed (ie no wound - implying an avulsion injury) injury.
For closed injuries, the usual treatment is non-surgical. The patient will need to use a splint - a so-called STACK splint, to keep the joint in extension (or hyperextension even) so as to allow the avulsed flake of bone to heal and to prevent stretching of the tendon.
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| a custom made Stack splint made by the Occupational therapy dept |
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| another Stack splint. bought off the shelf. nice. |
One needs to use the splint diligently for 6 to 8 weeks to allow adequate time for healing. There is a chance of relapse if the splint is taken out for an extended period of time. At the end of the treatment period, one might find that the finger may be stiff in which case physiotherapy might help.
- the BomohTulang -
Where can I purchase a mallet thumb splint? Is it available in Miri? Please advise, thks.
ReplyDeleteHi @beautifulcloud, most major hospitals with a physio dept are able to help you with this. In Miri,you might want to ask the Columbia Miri ortho doctor.
ReplyDeleteI get mine from the orthotist in Cheras.
Hi, where is this orthotist in cheras that i can get a mallet splint from? Do they have a website? or can i have their number/address please? ...The one i have from the Occupational therapists is too bulky and i cannot work wearing it. i need one before tmmr (5th april) as i am going overseas. thank you!!
ReplyDeleteHi Belinda, i asked my therapist, apparently got it from bovis medical in puchong. Person name is penny. I can give u the number if u can drop me an email. Thx
ReplyDeletethank you! i managed to get it in time before going overseas. i have currently been on the mallet splint for 8 weeks and my finger is now stiff and i have pain when i try to clench my fist or attempt to bend it (DIP area). The finger is straight though!...but a bit swollen around the DIP region ...is this normal? should i be worried?? ...thank you!! appreciate the advice
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