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Extensor Tendon Injuries [Mallet Finger]
- Due to jamming the finger or to use a Pittsburgh term "stoving it".
- Can result in a swan neck deformity or permanent flexion of the DIP joint.
- Due to stretching of the extensor tendon,or avulsion of the extensor tendon off the distal phalanx.
- Approximately 50% will develop a complication.
- Conservative treatment is splinting the DIP joint in full extension for 5-6 weeks.
- The DIP joint must not be flexed for the full treatment period.
- If the patient does flex their DIP, the 5-6 week time frame needs to completely restart.
- Due to the high complication rate all of these patients should be referred to a hand specialist early.