Orthonotes
Orthonotes
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v3.0 Fusion
v3.0 Fusion
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Mallet Finger

Avulsion of extensor tendon at DIP joint; may involve bony fragment. Mechanism: sudden forced flexion of extended DIP (e.g., ball injury). Clinical: inability to extend DIP; distal finger droop. X-ray: may show avulsion fracture; subluxation if >30–50% articular surface involved. Management: extension splinting 6–8 weeks; surgery for large bony fragment or volar subluxation.

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Avulsion of extensor tendon at DIP joint; may involve bony fragment. Mechanism: sudden forced flexion of extended DIP (e.g., ball injury). Clinical: inability to extend DIP; distal finger droop. X-ray: may show avulsion fracture; subluxation if >30–50% articular surface involved. Management: extension splinting 6–8 weeks; surgery for large bony fragment or volar subluxation.
MCQs

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Question 1

What is the primary mechanism of injury for mallet finger?

Question 2

What is the most common type of mallet finger?

Question 3

What is the recommended initial management for a Type I mallet finger?

Question 4

What is a potential long-term consequence of untreated mallet finger?

Question 5

Which type of mallet finger injury involves a bony avulsion?

Question 6

What should be assessed during the clinical examination of a patient with suspected mallet finger?

Question 7

When is surgical intervention typically indicated in mallet finger injuries?

Question 8

What is the typical duration for splinting in a case of Type I mallet finger?

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a common mechanism of injury for mallet finger?

Question 10

What is the most appropriate imaging study to evaluate a suspected mallet finger injury?