Mallet finger is defined as which of the following injuries?

Study for the NBCOT Hand Injuries and Intervention Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Mallet finger is defined as which of the following injuries?

Mallet finger results from injury to the extensor mechanism at the fingertip, specifically an avulsion of the terminal extensor tendon from the distal phalanx (often with a small bone fragment). This disrupts the ability to actively straighten the DIP joint, so the fingertip droops in slight flexion. That’s why the description most accurately matching this injury is avulsion of the terminal tendon at the DIP. Dislocation of the MCP joint, fracture of the proximal phalanx, or rupture of the DIP collateral ligaments describe injuries at different structures or joints and don’t capture the typical extensor-tendon disruption seen in mallet finger.

Mallet finger results from injury to the extensor mechanism at the fingertip, specifically an avulsion of the terminal extensor tendon from the distal phalanx (often with a small bone fragment). This disrupts the ability to actively straighten the DIP joint, so the fingertip droops in slight flexion. That’s why the description most accurately matching this injury is avulsion of the terminal tendon at the DIP.

Dislocation of the MCP joint, fracture of the proximal phalanx, or rupture of the DIP collateral ligaments describe injuries at different structures or joints and don’t capture the typical extensor-tendon disruption seen in mallet finger.

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