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ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ

Mallet finger causes fingertip drooping after extensor tendon injury; splinting is key, surgery occasionally needed.

Updated Jun 2026
ਇੱਕ ਹੱਥ ਦੀ ਹੱਥ ਨਾਲ ਬਣਾਈ ਗਈ ਚਿੱਤਰ, ਜਿਸਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਅੰਗੂਠੇ ਦਾ ਸਿਰਾ ਹੇਠਾਂ ਝੁਕਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ।
ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ: ਉਂਗਲ ਦਾ ਸਿਰਾ ਝੁਕ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਆਖਰੀ ਜੋੜ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਐਕਸਟੈਂਸਰ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਫਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਜੁੜਾਅ ਤੋਂ ਖਿੱਚਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। Holly Cheng / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

ਇਹ ਪੰਨਾ ਮਸ਼ੀਨ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਹਾਲੇ ਤੱਕ ਕਿਸੇ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਜਾਂਚਿਆ ਨਹੀਂ ਗਿਆ। ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਸੰਸਕਰਣ ਹੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਹੈ।

ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹੋ

ਤੁਸੀਂ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਸਿਰੇ 'ਤੇ ਦਰਦ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਇਹ ਅਸੁਵਿਧਾ ਅਕਸਰ ਆਖਰੀ ਜੋੜ 'ਤੇ ਕੇਂਦਰਿਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿੱਥੇ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਹੱਡੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜਿਆ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੁਝ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਦਰਦ ਨੂੰ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕੋ ਸਮੇਂ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਚੋਟ ਵਿੱਚ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਦੇ ਫਟਣ ਜਾਂ ਉਸਦੇ ਜੁੜਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਥਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟੀ ਟੁੱਟਣ (fracture) ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।

ਦਰਦ ਆਮ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਤਦ ਵਧ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ ਕਿ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਰੋਧ (resistance) ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਧੱਕਣ ਜਾਂ ਭਾਰੀ ਵਸਤੂਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਠਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਸ਼ਰਟ ਨੂੰ ਪੈਂਟ ਵਿੱਚ ਫੜਾਉਣ ਜਾਂ ਬ੍ਰਾ ਦੇ ਬਟਨ ਨੂੰ ਬੰਦ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਹੱਥ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣ ਵਰਗੀਆਂ ਸਧਾਰਨ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਚੁਣੌਤੀਪੂਰਨ ਬਣ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ, ਖਾਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਜਦੋਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸਵੇਰ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਵਾਰ ਜਾਗਦੇ ਹੋ।

ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਲੋਕ ਪਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਆਰਾਮ ਦੇਣ ਨਾਲ ਦਰਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਹਤ ਮਿਲਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਭਰਪਾਈ (healing) ਲਈ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਹੈ। ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸਿਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਮੋੜਦੇ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਤੇਜ਼ ਖਿੱਚ ਜਾਂ ਵਧੇ ਹੋਏ ਦਰਦ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਇਸਦਾ ਕਾਰਨ ਇਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਜੋੜ ਨੂੰ ਸਹੀ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਤੋਂ ਹਟਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।

ਗੰਭੀਰ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਦੇ ਹੇਠਾਂ ਵੱਲ ਝੁਕਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਇਹ ਝੁਕਾਅ ਵਸਤੂਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਫੜਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਜੋੜ ਦੇ ਆਲੇ-ਦੁਆਲੇ ਸੋਜ (swelling) ਦਾ ਅਨੁਭਵ ਵੀ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ (splint) ਨਾਲ ਚੰਗੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਭਰਪਾਈ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਕੁਝ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਧੇਰੇ ਜਟਿਲ ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸਰਜਨ ਹੱਡੀ ਦੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਟੁਕੜੇ ਦੇ ਆਕਾਰ ਜਾਂ ਜੋੜ ਦੀ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ 'ਤੇ ਤੈਅ ਕਰੇਗਾ ਕਿ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ।

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਟੁਕੜਾ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਜੋੜ ਆਪਣੀ ਥਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਖਿਸਕ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸਰਜਨ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੀ ਸਿਫਾਰਸ਼ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਅਕਸਰ ਸਹੀ ਸੰਰੇਖਣ ਅਤੇ ਕਾਰਜਕੁਸ਼ਲਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਬਹਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਸਰਜਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਗੈਰ-ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਇਲਾਜਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਆਮ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਵਧੀਆ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਸਹੀ ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਨਾਲ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੀ ਪੂਰੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਵਾਪਸ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।

ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੀ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ

ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ 'ਤੇ ਟਰਮੀਨਲ ਟੈਂਡਨ (terminal tendon) ਨਾਮਕ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਇੱਕ ਰੱਸੀ ਵਾਂਗ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਪੇਸ਼ੀ ਨੂੰ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਸਿਰੇ 'ਤੇ ਹੱਡੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੋੜਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਰੱਸੀ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਖੇਤਰ ਨੂੰ ਚੋਟ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਂਦੇ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ ਇਹ ਰੱਸੀ ਫਟ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਜੋੜ ਤੋਂ ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਟੁਕੜਾ ਖਿੱਚ ਕੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢ ਲੈਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਸੰਕੇਤ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਤੱਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਹੁੰਚਦਾ।

ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਆਮ ਕਾਰਨ ਇੱਕ ਅਚਾਨਕ ਬਲ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਸਿੱਧੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਵੱਲ ਮੋੜ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕਲਪਨਾ ਕਰੋ ਕਿ ਜਦੋਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਫੈਲੀ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ, ਤਾਂ ਇਹ ਗੇਂਦ ਜਾਂ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਦੇ ਫਰੇਮ 'ਤੇ ਫਸ ਗਈ। ਜੋੜ ਬਹੁਤ ਜਲਦੀ ਮੁੜੇ ਹੋਏ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਚਲਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਅਚਾਨਕ ਖਿੱਚ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਨੂੰ ਹੱਡੀ ਤੋਂ ਫੜਾ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਕੁਝ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਟੁਕੜਾ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਟੁੱਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਚਿਕਿਤਸਕ ਦਿੱਖ ਉਸੇ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਭਾਵੇਂ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਖੁਦ ਫਟ ਜਾਵੇ ਜਾਂ ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਟੁਕੜਾ ਖਿੱਚ ਕੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਆਵੇ। ਦੋਵਾਂ ਹੀ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਜੁੜਾਣ ਟੁੱਟ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ।

ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਰੱਸੀ ਹੁਣ ਜੁੜੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ, ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਮੁੜੀ ਹੋਈ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਸਰਗਰਮੀ ਨਾਲ ਉੱਪਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਉਠਾ ਸਕਦੇ। ਇਸਨੂੰ ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ ਡਿਫਾਰਮਿਟੀ (mallet finger deformity) ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਦੂਜੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਨਾਲ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਪੈਸਿਵਲੀ (passively) ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਜੋੜ ਕੈਪਸੂਲ ਅਤੇ ਲਿਗਾਮੈਂਟਸ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਜੋੜ ਖੁਦ ਡਿਸਲੋਕੇਟ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ। ਮੁੜੀ ਹੋਈ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਦੂਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਤੋਂ ਪੇਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਰੁਕਾਵਟ ਵਾਲੇ ਖਿੱਚ ਦਾ ਨਤੀਜਾ ਹੈ।

ਇਹ ਚੋਟ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਹੱਥ ਦੀ ਛੋਟੀ, ਅੰਗੂਠੇ ਜਾਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰਲੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਮਰਦਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੱਧ ਆਮ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਆਮ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਟਰੌਮਾ ਤੋਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਕੁਝ ਬੁੱਢੇ ਮਰੀਜ਼ਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹਿਨਣ ਅਤੇ ਖਰਾਬ ਹੋਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਅਰਥਰਾਈਟਸ (wear-and-tear arthritis) ਕਾਰਨ ਖਾਸ ਚੋਟ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਵੀ ਇਹ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਵਿਕਸਿਤ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਚੋਟ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਵਾਧੇ ਦੀ ਪਲੇਟ (growth plate) ਨਾਲ ਸੰਬੰਧਿਤ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਕਾਰਨ ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਨਤੀਜਾ ਇੱਕੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਹੈ: ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਉੱਪਰ ਉਠਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਮਕੈਨਿਜ਼ਮ ਡਿਸਕਨੈਕਟ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਇਹ ਲਟਕਦੀ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।

ਇਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਕੀ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਾਂ

ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ (mallet finger) ਦੀਆਂ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੇ ਠੀਕ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸੰਭਵ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਪਹਿਨੋਗੇ। ਇਹ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਨੂੰ ਸਹੀ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇੱਕ ਹੈਂਡ ਥੈਰੇਪਿਸਟ ਸਧਾਰਨ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਸਰਜਨ ਦੇ ਬਰਾਬਰ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਇਲਾਜ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਹ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਵਰਤਦੇ ਹਨ ਜੋ ਚਮੜੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਮੱਸਿਆਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਨ ਬਣਨਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਘੱਟ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਪਹਿਨਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਵੀ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ, ਪਰ ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਅੰਤਿਮ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ। ਕੁਝ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਸਪਲਿੰਟਿੰਗ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਵਰਜਿੰਗ (exercises) ਵੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ ਇਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਸਬੂਤ ਮਿਸ਼ਰਤ ਹਨ। ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਰਜਨ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਿਫਾਰਸ਼ ਕੀਤੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਨੂੰ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਪਹਿਨਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸਨੂੰ ਧੋਣ ਜਾਂ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਮੋੜਨ ਲਈ ਹਟਾਉਣਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ। ਲਗਾਤਾਰਤਾ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਦੀ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਹੈ।

ਦਰਦ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਨ ਦਾ ਫੋਕਸ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਦੇ ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਆਰਾਮ 'ਤੇ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਲੋੜ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਆਫ-ਦ-ਕਾਊਂਟਰ (over-the-counter) ਦਰਦ ਨਸ਼ਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਗੋਲੀਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਸੋਜ ਘਟਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਦਵਾਈਆਂ ਲੈ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। ਇਹ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਅਚਲ (immobilized) ਰੱਖੇ ਜਾਣ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਗਤੀਵਿਧੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਭਾਲਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਕੁਝ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਇੰਜੈਕਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਪੁੱਛਦੇ ਹਨ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਇਸ ਖਾਸ ਚੋਟ ਲਈ ਕੋਰਟੀਸੋਨ, ਹਿਆਲੂਰੋਨਿਕ ਐਸਿਡ ਜਾਂ PRP ਇੰਜੈਕਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਬੂਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਨ। ਇਹ ਇਲਾਜ ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ ਲਈ ਮਿਆਰੀ ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਨ। ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਨਾਲ ਜੋੜ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਰੱਖਣ 'ਤੇ ਕੇਂਦਰਿਤ ਰਹਿਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਦਰਦ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਰਜਨ ਨਾਲ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਵਿਕਲਪਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਚਰਚਾ ਕਰੋ। ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਘਨ ਪਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਤੇਜ਼ ਮਸਾਜ ਜਾਂ ਖਿੱਚਣ (stretching) ਤੋਂ ਬਚੋ।

ਸਰਜਰੀ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਤਦ ਹੀ ਵਿਚਾਰੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਜੇ ਸੰਭਾਵੀ (conservative) ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਅਸਫਲ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਚੋਟ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸਰਜਨ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਓਪਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਸਿਫਾਰਸ਼ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਜੋੜ ਦੀ ਸਤਹ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ-ਤਿਹਾਈ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਹਿੱਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਇੱਕ ਵੱਡਾ ਟੁੱਟਣਾ (fracture) ਹੈ। ਜੇ ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਟੁਕੜਾ ਆਪਣੀ ਥਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਖਿਸਕ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਕੁਝ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਇਸ ਲਈ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਚੁਣਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਉਹ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਪਹਿਨੇ ਰੱਖਣ 'ਤੇ ਕੰਮ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ। ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਇੱਕ ਕ੍ਰੋਨਿਕ (chronic) ਚੋਟ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਮਹੀਨਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਸਪਲਿੰਟਿੰਗ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਵੀ ਠੀਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਕਲਪ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਟੁੱਟੇ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਦੀ ਮੁਰੰਮਤ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਉਂਗਲ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਸਮਰੱਥਾ ਵਾਪਸ ਲਿਆਈ ਜਾ ਸਕੇ। ਇਹ ਇੱਕ ਹਲਕਾ ਓਪਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਹੈ ਜਿਸਦੀ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਦਰ ਉੱਚ ਹੈ। ਜੇ ਇਹ ਰਾਹ ਲੋੜੀਂਦਾ ਬਣਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸਰਜਨ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਖਾਸ ਜੋਖਮਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਲਾਭਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਚਰਚਾ ਕਰੇਗਾ।

ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਕੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ

ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ (mallet finger) ਦੀਆਂ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੇ ਠੀਕ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸਰਜਨ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਸਪਲਿੰਟਿੰਗ (splinting) ਦੀ ਸਿਫਾਰਸ਼ ਕਰੇਗਾ। ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਜਾਂ ਹੱਡੀ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਜੁੜ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਮਰੀਜ਼ਾਂ ਲਈ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਗੈਰ-ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਇਲਾਜਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਕਲੀਨਿਕਲ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਮਿਲਦੇ ਹਨ। ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਇਲਾਜ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਤੁਸ਼ਟੀ ਮਿਲਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ।

ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਰਸਤਾ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਚੋਟ ਦੀ ਗੰਭੀਰਤਾ 'ਤੇ ਨਿਰਭਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਸਧਾਰਨ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਲਈ, ਇੱਕ ਸਧਾਰਨ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਜਾਂ ਡੋਰਸਲ ਗਲੂਡ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ (dorsal glued splint) ਆਮ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਕਾਫੀ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਚੋਟ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਟੁਕੜਾ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਜੋੜ ਆਪਣੀ ਥਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਖਿਸਕ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੀ ਸਿਫਾਰਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਸਰਜਰੀ ਕ੍ਰੋਨਿਕ (ਦੀਰਘਕਾਲੀਨ) ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਜੇਕਰ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਇਲਾਜ ਅਸਫਲ ਰਹੇ ਹੋਣ, ਤਾਂ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਕਲਪ ਵੀ ਹੈ। ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦੀ, ਪਰੰਤੂ ਗੈਰ-ਸਰਜਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਨ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਲਈ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ।

ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਜਾਣਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੀ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਦਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਗਰੰਟੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ। ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਮੁੜਾਅ ਵਾਲੀ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਕ੍ਰੋਨਿਕ ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਪੂਰਾ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਘੱਟ ਸਥਿਰ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਇਹਨਾਂ ਜਟਿਲ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੀ, ਲੰਬੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਅਕਸਰ ਚੰਗੇ ਤੋਂ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਸੰਭਾਲ ਵਾਲੇ ਇਲਾਜ (conservative management) ਲਈ ਜਟਿਲਤਾ ਦਰਾਂ ਘੱਟ ਹਨ। ਸੰਕਰਮਣ ਜਾਂ ਨੱਖ (nail) ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਗਾੜ ਵਰਗੀਆਂ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਸਮੱਸਿਆਵਾਂ ਦੁਰਲੱਭ ਹਨ, ਖਾਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਤਕਨੀਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ।

ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣਾ ਇੱਕ ਧੀਮੀ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਹੈ। ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਉਂਗਲ ਦੇ ਸਿਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁਝ ਸਖ਼ਤੀ ਜਾਂ ਛੋਟਾ ਬਾਕੀ ਬਚਿਆ ਮੁੜਾਅ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਆਮ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਅਕਸਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਕਾਰਜਸ਼ੀਲਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਦਾ। ਰਾਤ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਸਪਲਿੰਟਿੰਗ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਯੋਗਤਾ ਜਾਂ ਸੰਤੁਸ਼ਟੀ ਦੇ ਸੰਦਰਭ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਦੀ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਇਦ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤੀ ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਪੜਾਅ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ।

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਜੋੜ ਦੀ ਸਤਹ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ-ਤਿਹਾਈ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਟੁੱਟੀ ਹੱਡੀ (fracture) ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਖਾਸ ਕਿਸਮ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਇਸਦੇ ਜੋੜ ਦੇ ਸਬਲਕਸ਼ੇਸ਼ਨ (ਸਥਿਤੀ ਤੋਂ ਖਿਸਕਣਾ) ਵਿੱਚ ਤਬਦੀਲ ਨਾ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਲਗਭਗ 50% ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਟੁੱਟੀ ਹੱਡੀ ਦਾ ਆਕਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਪਲਿੰਟ ਪਾਉਣਾ ਕਿੰਨੀ ਜਲਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ, ਇਹ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਠੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁੱਖ ਕਾਰਕ ਹਨ। ਇਲਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੇਰੀ ਕਰਨ ਨਾਲ ਜਟਿਲਤਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਖਤਰਾ ਵਧ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਸਮੇਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਰਜਨ ਦੀ ਸਲਾਹ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਣਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਹੈ।

ਸਮੁੱਚੇ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਗੱਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ ਕਿ ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ ਇੱਕ ਉੱਚ ਪੱਧਰ 'ਤੇ ਇਲਾਜਯੋਗ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਹੈ। ਭਾਵੇਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸਪਲਿੰਟਿੰਗ ਜਾਂ ਸਰਜਰੀ ਚੁਣੋ, ਉਦੇਸ਼ ਕਾਰਜਸ਼ੀਲਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਬਹਾਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਦਰਦ ਨੂੰ ਘੱਟ ਤੋਂ ਘੱਟ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ। ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਆਪਣੀ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਗਤੀਵਿਧੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਪਸ ਆ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਇੱਕ ਕਾਰਜਸ਼ੀਲ ਉਂਗਲ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਰਜਨ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਖਾਸ ਚੋਟ ਲਈ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਰਸਤੇ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਕਰਨਗੇ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਸੰਭਾਵਿਤ ਨਤੀਜਾ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਸਕੇ।

ਕਦੋਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੂੰ ਦਿਖਾਉਣਾ ਹੈ

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਦਰਦ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਆਰਾਮ ਨਾਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਘਟਦਾ, ਤਾਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਆਮ ਡਾਕਟਰ (GP) ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲੋ। ਉਂਗਲੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਮਜ਼ੋਰੀ ਜਾਂ ਅਸਥਿਰਤਾ ਨੋਟ ਕਰਨ 'ਤੇ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ਜ਼ ਦੀ ਸਮੀਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਕਹੋ। ਜੇਕਰ ਜੋੜ ਫਸ ਜਾਵੇ ਜਾਂ ਢਹਿ ਜਾਵੇ, ਤਾਂ ਇਲਾਜ ਲਓ। ਜੇਕਰ ਲੱਛਣ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਨੀਂਦ ਜਾਂ ਕੰਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੁਕਾਵਟ ਪਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਤਾਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰੋ। ਆਪਣੀ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਦੇ ਅਚਾਨਕ ਬੁਰੇ ਹੋਣ ਲਈ ਮਦਦ ਲਓ। ਮੈਲੇਟ ਫਿੰਗਰ (Mallet finger) ਦੀਆਂ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਕਈ ਵਾਰ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਇੱਕੋ ਵੇਲੇ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਘੱਟ ਹੀ, ਜਵਾਨ ਮਰੀਜ਼ਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਟੈਂਡਨ ਦੇ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਹੱਡੀ ਦੇ ਟੁੱਟਣ ਦਾ ਸੁਮੇਲ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਬਾਇਓਕੈਮੀਕਲ ਬਦਲਾਅ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਦੇ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਭੂਮਿਕਾ ਨਿਭਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। ਸਮੇਂ ਸਿਰ ਮੁਲਾਂਕਣ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਉਂਗਲੀ ਲਈ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਨੂੰ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।


Evidence & references

Overview

  • Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in pediatric populations remain unclear [1].
  • Large-fragment mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively with low complication rates [2].
  • Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting [3].
  • Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic mallet finger cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [3].
  • Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [4].
  • All cases of mallet finger are proposed to be treated with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [5].
  • A simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treating mallet finger [8].
  • Surgery is generally indicated in mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface [9].
  • Surgery is generally indicated in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx [9].
  • A significant advantage of surgical management over conservative management in complicated cases (large fragment or volar subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [9].
  • The majority of hand fractures can be treated without surgery, though surgery offers distinct advantages in properly selected cases [12].
  • Pullout wire fixation together with distal interphalangeal joint Kirschner wire stabilization for acute combined tendon and bone (double level) mallet finger injury reports good to excellent long-term results with no reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity [13].
  • Central slip tenotomy with distal repair is a technique described for severe chronic mallet fingers with deformities exceeding 36 degrees [18].
  • Full correction of extensor lag is less consistent with greater degrees of preoperative flexion deformity in severe chronic mallet fingers treated with central slip tenotomy and distal repair [18].
  • The Ishiguro extension block technique produces satisfactory results and is effective and minimally invasive for mallet finger fractures when properly applied [54].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Mallet finger deformity is characterized by a loss of active distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension with full passive range of motion evident [19].
  • The deformity reflects the loss of normal extensor force transmission via the terminal tendon insertion onto the distal phalanx [19].
  • The unopposed flexor digitorum profundus pulls the distal joint into flexion [19].
  • The usual mechanism of injury involves sudden passive flexion of an actively extended DIP joint [19].
  • Disruption of the terminal tendon may be entirely confined to the tendon or may involve an avulsed fracture fragment from the dorsal lip of the distal phalanx proximal articular surface [19].
  • The clinical appearance of soft tissue and bony mallet fingers is similar because the avulsed fragment includes the terminal tendon insertion [19].
  • The distal joint rests in flexion, a posture that cannot be actively changed [19].
  • Full passive extension of the DIP joint is possible in mallet finger [19].
  • Mallet finger most commonly involves a closed rupture of the terminal tendon with or without associated fracture of the distal phalanx [37].
  • Snagging the extending finger on an object that suddenly flexes the DIP joint is a frequent cause of mallet finger [37].
  • Less commonly, a forceful hyperextension injury of the DIP joint may result in a large fracture of the base of the distal phalanx involving one-third or more of the articular surface [37].
  • Elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the DIP joint may have mallet deformities that are not related to trauma [37].
  • Individuals with hyperlax joints may have multiple pseudomallet swan neck postures that are unrelated to trauma [37].
  • Open mallet injuries are uncommon [37].
  • The most frequently involved digits are the small, ring, and middle fingers of the dominant hand [37].
  • There is a male predominance in mallet finger incidence [37].
  • Tendinous mallet fingers have been reported to occur from age 11 onward [37].
  • In skeletally immature individuals, a transepiphyseal plate fracture may be seen instead of tendon rupture [37].
  • There may be a familial predisposition to mallet fingers [37].
  • Displacement of the epiphysis of the distal phalanx can cause the digit to assume a mallet finger posture [14].
  • Hyperextension of the phalanx usually affords satisfactory reduction of a displaced epiphysis [14].
  • The extensor apparatus of the fingers includes the interosseous muscle, extensor digitorum communis tendon, lumbrical muscle, flexor tendon sheath, sagittal bands, transverse metacarpal ligament, interosseous hood, interosseous hood oblique fibers, extensor lateral band, extensor middle band, interosseous middle band, interosseous lateral band, oblique retinacular ligament, central extensor lateral, spiral fibers, transverse retinacular ligament, lateral extensor tendon, triangular lamina, and terminal extensor tendon [14].
  • Injuries to the finger extensor apparatus are very common and may produce chronic deformity and loss of function [34].

Classification

  • Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in pediatric populations remain unclear [1].
  • Doyle type 4c mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively with low complication rates [2].
  • Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting, although surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [3].
  • Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [4].
  • All cases of mallet finger are proposed to be treated with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [5].
  • Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint [6].
  • Fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [6].
  • A simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treating mallet finger [8].
  • Deepithelialised pedicled skin flap technique is a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger [11].
  • A hand therapist can treat mallet finger injuries of type 1 as effectively as a surgeon, with a method of immobilisation that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition [16].
  • A modification to the Doyle classification is proposed to make it more encompassing and less prone to interobserver error [35].
  • The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence and OARSI classification systems for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed [41].
  • Non-operative management of mallet fractures, regardless of fracture classification, joint congruence or pre-existing degenerate change in the DIP joint, is safe and yields predictably good outcomes in most patients [46].
  • Most acute mallet fingers can be treated by continuous splinting, while fracture dislocations require open reduction and internal fixation [50].

Clinical Presentation

  • Mallet finger injuries can present as bilateral cases [21].
  • Biochemical abnormalities may play a role in the etiology of mallet fingers [21].
  • Mallet finger injuries can involve a rare combination of tendon avulsion and fracture in juvenile patients [26].

Investigations

  • Mallet finger deformity is characterized by a loss of active distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension with full passive range of motion evident [19].
  • The deformity reflects the loss of normal extensor force transmission via the terminal tendon insertion onto the distal phalanx [19].
  • The unopposed flexor digitorum profundus pulls the distal joint into flexion [19].
  • The usual mechanism of injury involves sudden passive flexion of the actively extended distal interphalangeal joint [19].
  • Disruption of the terminal tendon may be entirely confined to the tendon or may involve an avulsed fracture fragment from the dorsal lip of the distal phalanx proximal articular surface [19].
  • Because the avulsed fragment includes the terminal tendon insertion, the clinical appearance of soft tissue and bony mallet fingers is similar [19].
  • The distal joint rests in flexion, a posture that cannot be actively changed [19].
  • Full passive extension of the distal interphalangeal joint is possible [19].
  • A radiograph should be obtained to determine whether a fracture is present [19].
  • If a fracture is present, radiographs should assess whether the dorsal fragment is large and whether the distal phalanx is subluxed palmarward [19].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting [3].
  • Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [4].
  • A dorsal glued splint is proposed for the treatment of all cases of mallet finger except stage IV injuries [5].
  • A simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treating mallet finger [8].
  • Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [15].
  • A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon [16].
  • A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon, with a method of immobilisation that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition [39].
  • Conservative therapeutic management of acute, closed mallet finger is diverse and varied, with exercises and interventions supplementary to splinting commonly utilised [23].
  • An alternative simple and custom-made orthosis manages the mallet finger by allowing for PIP flexion while inhibiting full extension or hyperextension [25].
  • The clinical efficacy of elastic taping for the treatment of mallet finger injuries remains to be tested vigorously [32].

Operative Management

  • Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic mallet cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [3].
  • Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have failed nonsurgical treatment [10].
  • Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who are unable to work with the splint in position [10].
  • Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have a fracture involving more than one third of the joint surface [10].
  • Surgery is generally indicated in the case of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface [9].
  • Surgery is generally indicated in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx [9].
  • A significant advantage of surgical management even in complicated cases (fracture >1/3 articular surface or volar subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [9].
  • Complication rates for conservative management of Doyle type 4c mallet finger are low, suggesting large-fragment cases can be effectively managed conservatively [2].
  • Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in the pediatric population remain unclear [1].

Surgical Techniques

  • The Thompson procedure is an effective technique for the salvage of a closed mallet injury with an associated swan neck deformity following failed treatment [27].
  • A deepithelialised pedicled skin flap technique is a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger [11].
  • Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children is safe and effective [36].
  • For chronic mallet finger, if the distal phalanx droops severely but passive extension in the distal interphalangeal joint is still satisfactory, surgery may be indicated depending on the patient’s needs [14].
  • Surgical treatment for chronic mallet finger involves making a small V-shaped or U-shaped incision on the dorsum of the finger, convex distally, with the tip no closer than 5 mm proximal to the nail base [14].
  • The surgical technique for chronic mallet finger involves developing a flap between the tendon and subcutaneous fat to expose the extensor tendon with intervening scar [14].
  • The surgical technique for chronic mallet finger involves identifying the junction of normal tendon with scar, severing the tendon transversely proximal to the joint, and resecting sufficient scar or tendon to allow closure with the finger in maximal extension [14].
  • The surgical repair of chronic mallet finger is supported by a transarticular 0.045-inch Kirschner wire [14].
  • The extensor tendon in chronic mallet finger surgery is repaired with 4-0 monofilament nylon or 4-0 monofilament wire as a pull-out roll stitch [14].
  • Postoperative care for chronic mallet finger surgery involves removing sutures at 10 to 14 days and maintaining the distal joint in extension with Kirschner wire protection for 4 weeks [14].
  • The Kirschner wire is removed after 4 to 6 weeks in chronic mallet finger surgery, with the repair protected by a splint for an additional 8 weeks [14].

Complications

  • Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in pediatric populations remain unclear [1].
  • Complication rates for conservative management of Doyle type 4c mallet fingers are low [2].
  • Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [3].
  • Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [4].
  • Stage IV mallet finger is treated with extra-articular pinning rather than dorsal glued splinting [5].
  • Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint [6].
  • Fracture size is an independent risk factor for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [6].
  • Time to application of finger immobilizer is an independent risk factor for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [6].
  • Pullout wire fixation together with distal interphalangeal joint Kirschner wire stabilization for acute combined tendon and bone mallet finger injuries reports no complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity [13].
  • Supplemental night splinting does not improve outcomes in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [15].
  • Full correction of extensor lag is less consistent with greater degrees of preoperative flexion deformity in severe chronic mallet fingers treated with central slip tenotomy and distal repair [18].
  • The Thompson procedure is an effective technique for the salvage of a closed mallet injury with an associated swan neck deformity following failed treatment [27].
  • The most common cause of procedural failure in closed reductions using an extension-block pin for bony mallet finger is inaccurate insertion of the K-wire to fix the distal interphalangeal joint [56].

Recovery

  • Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting [3].
  • Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [3].
  • Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [4].
  • Complication rates for conservative management of large-fragment mallet finger cases are low [2].
  • Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [15].
  • LIPUS therapy may be recommended as an option to treat type I mallet finger fracture in children for whom initiation of treatment was delayed up to 8 weeks [29].
  • Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint [6].
  • Fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [6].
  • Full correction of extensor lag is less consistent with greater degrees of preoperative flexion deformity in severe chronic mallet fingers treated with central slip tenotomy with distal repair [18].
  • The surgical technique of pullout wire fixation together with distal interphalangeal joint Kirschner wire stabilization for acute combined tendon and bone mallet finger injuries reports good to excellent long-term results [13].
  • No reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity were observed in the series of acute combined tendon and bone mallet finger injuries treated with pullout wire fixation and DIP joint Kirschner wire stabilization [13].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in this population remain unclear. [1] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.037)
  • [L4] Complication rates were low, suggesting that large-fragment mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively. [2] (10.1186/s12891-026-09787-w)
  • [L5] Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting, although surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment. [3] (10.1007/s11552-014-9609-y)
  • [L4] Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.004)
  • [L5] The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which they treat with extra-articular pinning. [5] (10.5999/aps.2016.43.2.134)
  • [L2] Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint; fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture. [6] (10.1177/1753193414554556)
  • [L2] The study recommends this splint as an alternative means of treating mallet finger. [8] (10.1136/emj.10.3.244)
  • [L4] Although surgery is generally indicated in the case of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface as well as in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx, a significant advantage of surgical management even in those complicated cases has yet to be clearly proven. [9] (10.1177/1558944716642763)
  • [L5] Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have failed nonsurgical treatment, are unable to work with the splint in position, or have a fracture involving more than one third of the joint surface. [10] (10.5435/00124635-200509000-00007)
  • [Paper] This method seems to be a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger. [11] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.013)
  • [L5] The majority of hand fractures can be treated without surgery, though surgery offers distinct advantages in properly selected cases. [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.02.017)
  • [L4] The study describes a surgical technique for acute combined tendon and bone mallet fingers and reports good to excellent long-term results with no reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity in the series. [13] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.011)
  • [L1] Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment. [15] (10.1007/s11552-013-9600-z)
  • [L4] A hand therapist can treat mallet finger injuries of type 1 as effectively as a surgeon, with a method of immobilisation that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition. [16] (10.1177/175899830501000103)
  • [L4] The article describes a technique combining central slip tenotomy with distal repair for severe chronic mallet fingers with deformities exceeding 36 degrees, noting that full correction of extensor lag is less consistent with greater degrees of preoperative flexion deformity. [18] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.01.040)
  • [L4] This case raises a question regarding the possible role of biochemical abnormalities causing mallet fingers. [21] (10.1177/175899830400900103)
  • [L4] Conservative therapeutic management of acute, closed mallet finger is diverse and varied, with exercises and interventions supplementary to splinting commonly utilised. [23] (10.1177/1758998316664822)
  • [L5] An alternative simple and custom-made orthosis has been presented to manage the mallet finger, allowing for PIP flexion while inhibiting full extension or hyperextension. [25] (10.1016/j.jht.2016.01.001)
  • [L4] The authors describe a rare combination of tendon avulsion and fracture in a juvenile mallet finger, noting that while few mallet fingers require open treatment, this combined injury may be more common than thought. [26] (10.1177/1753193415571777)
  • [L4] It is an effective technique for the salvage of a closed mallet injury with an associated swan neck deformity following failed treatment. [27] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.04.011)
  • [L3] LIPUS therapy may be recommended as an option to treat type I mallet finger fracture in children for whom initiation of treatment was delayed up to 8 weeks. [29] (10.1177/1558944717692095)
  • [L4] The clinical efficacy of the proposed method of elastic taping for the treatment of mallet finger injuries remains to be tested vigorously. [32] (10.1016/j.jht.2014.02.005)
  • [L5] Injuries to the finger extensor apparatus are very common and may produce chronic deformity and loss of function. [34] (10.1016/j.hcl.2013.03.003)
  • [L4] This article provides a topical review of the contemporary literature concerning acute mallet finger injuries and proposes a modification to the Doyle classification to make it more encompassing and less prone to interobserver error. [35] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.013)
  • [L4] Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children is safe and effective. [36] (10.1186/s13018-019-1106-0)
  • [L4] A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon. [39] (10.1197/j.jht.2008.04.002)
  • [L4] The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence and OARSI classification systems for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed. [41] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.012)
  • [L3] Non-operative management of mallet fractures, regardless of fracture classification, joint congruence or pre-existing degenerate change in the DIP joint, is safe and yields predictably good outcomes in most patients. [46] (10.1177/1753193421992986)
  • [L5] Most acute mallet fingers can be treated by continuous splinting, while fracture dislocations require open reduction and internal fixation. [50] (10.1097/01.blo.0000205903.51727.62)
  • [L4] The extension block technique, when properly applied, produces satisfactory results and is effective and minimally invasive for mallet finger fractures. [54] (10.1054/jhsb.2001.0733)
  • [Paper] The most common cause of procedural failure was inaccurate insertion of the K-wire to fix the distal interphalangeal joint. [56] (10.1055/s-0040-1701318)

References

[1] Outcomes of Splinting in Pediatric Mallet Finger. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.037 [2] Surgical versus conservative management of Doyle type 4c mallet finger: a comparative study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09787-w [3] Current Concepts: Mallet Finger. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-014-9609-y [4] Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of Mallet Finger: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.004 [5] Review of Acute Traumatic Closed Mallet Finger Injuries in Adults. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.5999/aps.2016.43.2.134 [6] The risk factors associated with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint in mallet fracture. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2014. DOI: 10.1177/1753193414554556 [8] The conservative treatment of mallet finger with a simple splint: a case report.. Emergency Medicine Journal. 1993. DOI: 10.1136/emj.10.3.244 [9] The Diagnosis and Management of Mallet Finger Injuries. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716642763 [10] Mallet Finger. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2005. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200509000-00007 [11] A new surgical treatment for mallet finger deformity: Deepithelialised pedicled skin flap technique. Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.013 [12] Hand Fractures: A Review of Current Treatment Strategies. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.02.017 [13] Pullout Wire Fixation Together With Distal Interphalangeal Joint Kirschner Wire Stabilization for Acute Combined Tendon and Bone (Double Level) Mallet Finger Injury. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.011 [14] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. RECONSTRUCTION OF FINGER FLEXORS: SINGLE-STAGE TENDON GRAFT > CHRONIC MALLET FINGER (SECONDARY REPAIR). [15] A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Night Splinting with No Splinting after Treatment of Mallet Finger. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-013-9600-z [16] Hand Therapist-led Management of Mallet Finger. The British Journal of Hand Therapy. 2005. DOI: 10.1177/175899830501000103 [18] Central Slip Tenotomy With Distal Repair in the Treatment of Severe Chronic Mallet Fingers. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.01.040 [19] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 9Hand Surgery > 3. Mallet Finger. [21] Bilateral Mallet Fingers: A Case Study. The British Journal of Hand Therapy. 2004. DOI: 10.1177/175899830400900103 [23] How do hand therapists conservatively manage acute, closed mallet finger? A survey of members of the British Association of Hand Therapists. Hand Therapy. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1758998316664822 [25] The challenge of the mallet orthosis: A simple solution. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2016.01.001 [26] Combined tendon avulsion and fracture in a mallet finger injury in a juvenile. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2015. DOI: 10.1177/1753193415571777 [27] The Thompson Procedure for Chronic Mallet Finger Deformity. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.04.011 [29] Comparison of Treatment Results for Mallet Finger Fractures in Children Between Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation and Ishiguro’s Method. HAND. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1558944717692095 [32] A novel way of treating mallet finger injuries. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2014.02.005 [34] Diagnosis and Treatment of Finger Deformities Following Injuries to the Extensor Tendon Mechanism. Hand Clinics. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2013.03.003 [35] Acute Mallet Finger Injuries—A Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.013 [36] Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2019. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-019-1106-0 [37] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. CASE STUDY 5.2 Unusual Mallet Finger Presentation. [39] Hand Therapist-led Management of Mallet Finger. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2008. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2008.04.002 [41] Rater Agreement of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint 12 Years After a Mallet Finger Fracture. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.012 [46] The non-operative management of bony mallet injuries. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2021. DOI: 10.1177/1753193421992986 [50] Tendon Avulsion Injuries of the Distal Phalanx. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2006. DOI: 10.1097/01.blo.0000205903.51727.62 [54] The Ishiguro Extension Block Technique for the Treatment of Mallet Finger Fracture: Indications and Clinical Results. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2003. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2001.0733 [56] Causes of Procedural Failures of Closed Reductions using an Extension-Block Pin for Bony Mallet Finger. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1701318

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