What splint is best for mallet finger?

What splint is best for mallet finger?

There are many splints on the market, but I have found the best way is an aluminum splint to keep the tip joint straight. Specifically, the tip of the finger should be kept straight but to allow free PIP and MP motions.

How long should a mallet finger injury be splinted?

Treating mallet finger The splint is taped on and must be worn day and night for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the 2 ends of the torn tendon to stay together and heal. It should only be removed for cleaning.

What is a mallet splint?

Most mallet finger injuries are treated with splinting. A splint holds the fingertip straight (in extension) until it heals. There are several types of splints used to treat mallet finger, many of them fabricated by hand therapists.

How long does it take to recover from mallet finger surgery?

Generally, mallet finger can be treated non-surgically using specially designed splints that immobilize the finger and promote natural healing. In cases of fracture, complete bone healing may take 6-8 weeks, followed by physical therapy for strengthening.

Does splinting a mallet finger work?

Mallet Fingers should be treated as quickly as possible with a splint that immobilizes the DIP joint for 4 to 6 weeks. Delayed treatment may still be effective with good adherence to a long term splinting program.

Can you splint an old mallet finger?

A mallet finger that is up to three months old may require splinting in full extension for eight to 12 weeks. The splint is then worn for shorter periods that include nighttime splinting for six more weeks. Skin problems are common with prolonged splinting.

Can mallet finger heal in 4 weeks?

You may need to wear a splint for different lengths of time. If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in four to six weeks if you wear a splint all the time. If your tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, it should heal in six to eight weeks of wearing a splint all the time.

How long does a finger tendon take to heal?

The repaired tendon will usually be back to full strength after about 12 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months to regain the full range of movement. Some people may never be able to move the affected finger or thumb as much as before it was damaged.

How do you rehabilitate a mallet finger?

Wearing a splint on your finger to keep it straight is the most common treatment for mallet finger. You may need to wear a splint for different lengths of time. If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in 4 to 6 weeks if you wear a splint all the time.

Can mallet finger be fixed after months?

Probably not. Most of the time, a mallet finger can be fixed by using an orthosis (or splint) that holds it straight for a several weeks; however, sometimes it can be more serious, which is why it is a good idea to have it professionally evaluated. That sounds like it might be easy.

How do you rehab a mallet finger?

Fingertip stretch

1. With your good hand, grasp your problem finger. Your thumb will be on the top side of this finger. Place your thumb just below the joint that is closest to your fingernail.
2. With your index finger, slowly push the tip of your problem finger up. Push until you feel a stretch.
3. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

How do I rehabilitate my mallet finger?

Can you drive with a hand splint?

The general consensus is that it is unsafe to drive whilst wearing a cast or splint for the treatment of a musculoskeletal condition. A grey area mentioned by a few papers is the question about driving an automatic transmission car with the unused leg in a cast.

How difficult is it to make a splint for mallet fingers?

The protocol for 15 degrees of DIP extension with mallet fingers is tricky to manage while making a splint. Small splints on little fingers are also tricky to get sized just right and with strapping in the right places. Ask any experienced hand therapist and they’ll have an opinion on the issue.

What are the different types of mallet finger injuries?

Doyle’s Classification of Mallet Finger Injuries Type I • Closed injury with or without small do Type II • Open injury (laceration) Type III • Open injury (deep soft tissue abrasion Type IV • Mallet fracture A = distal phalanx phy

What is the best treatment for mallet finger?

Mallet Fingers should be treated as quickly as possible with a splint that immobilizes the DIP joint for 4 to 6 weeks. Delayed treatment may still be effective with good adherence to a long term splinting program. Untreated Mallet Finger my ultimately result in the development of PIP joint hyperextension or Swan Neck deformity. 1.

What is the pathophysiology of mallet finger?

Soft tissue mallet finger is the result of rupture of the extensor tendon in Zone 1, and a bony mallet finger is the result of an avulsion of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx with a small fragment of bone attached to the avulsed tendon (Fig. 1).