Mallet finger injuries: the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and management

Emerg Nurse. 2020 Mar 10. doi: 10.7748/en.2020.e1996. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Patients commonly present to UK emergency departments with injuries to the tips of their fingers. Mallet finger is one of the most common injuries, resulting from an injury to the extensor tendon over the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of the hand. Timely recognition, diagnosis and management are required to prevent complications. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and management of mallet finger injuries.

Keywords: X-rays; accident and emergency; acute pain; clinical skills; diagnosis; emergency care; minor injuries; nursing care; pain.