Interventions for treating mallet finger injuries Medscape

Description: Posted 07/01/2007 HHG Handoll Introduction Date of Most Recent Substantive Amendment: 2004 03 04 Background Mallet finger, also called drop or baseball finger, is where the end of a finger cannot be actively straightened out due to injury of the extensor tendon mechanism. Treatment commonly involves splintage of the finger for six or more weeks. Less frequently, surgical fixation is used to correct the deformity.
Authors' conclusions There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom – made or off – the – shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury. There was a useful reminder that splints used for prolonged immobilisation should be robust enough for everyday use, and of the central importance of patient adherence to instructions for splint use. There was insufficient evidence to determine when surgery is indicated.
Cochrane Rev Abstract. 2007