What are the common extensor tendon injuries?
Mallet finger refers to the droop of the end joint where an extensor tendon has been cut or separated from the bone (Figure 1). Sometimes a piece of bone is pulled off with the tendon, but the result is the same: a fingertip that cannot be straightened. Whether the tendon injury is caused by a cut or jammed finger, splinting is necessary. Often the cut tendon requires stitches. Splinting is done to keep the fingertip straight until the tendon is healed.The size of the splint and length of time you will have to wear it is determined by the type and location of your injury. The splint should remain in place constantly during this time. The tendon may take four to eight weeks, or longer in some patients, to heal completely. Removing the splint early may result in drooping of the fingertip, which may then require additional splinting. Your physician will instruct you to remove the splint at the proper time. Boutonnière deformity describes the bent-down (flexed) position of the middle joint
