A detailed overview of mallet finger, jersey finger, and joint stiffness in athletic and everyday injuries
Understanding Finger Injuries
Learn how to recognise and manage common finger injuries like mallet finger and jersey finger, and how to avoid long-term stiffness through proper splinting and early care.What is a Mallet Finger Injury?
Mallet finger is a common fingertip injury where the end joint of the finger (distal interphalangeal joint or DIPJ) drops into a flexed position and cannot be straightened. It occurs when a straightened fingertip is forcibly bent, such as when a ball strikes the tip. This disrupts the extensor tendon or pulls off a small piece of bone.What is a Jersey Finger Injury?
Jersey finger is the opposite: the person cannot bend the fingertip. It occurs when a flexed finger is forcibly pulled straight, commonly during contact sports. The flexor tendon (which bends the DIPJ) pulls away from the fingertip bone. This usually affects the ring finger and often needs surgery.Diagnosis and Treatment Principles
Diagnosis
• Clinical exam and history are crucial.
• X-rays help confirm fractures or bony avulsions.
• MRI or ultrasound may be needed to assess tendon retraction (especially in jersey finger).
Treatment Summary
Mallet Finger• Non-operative: continuous splinting in slight extension for 6–12 weeks (depending on tendon vs. bone involvement).
• Operative: for fractures involving >30–40% of joint or if the fingertip is out of alignment.
Jersey Finger
• Almost always requires surgical reattachment of the flexor tendon.
• Delayed treatment can lead to poor outcomes due to tendon retraction and scarring.
Complications
• Mallet finger: extensor lag, swan-neck deformity, skin breakdown from splints.• Jersey finger: loss of finger flexion, scarring, tendon adhesions, joint stiffness, grip weakness.
Preventing Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness often results from poor immobilisation or prolonged swelling.
Key Principles
• Avoid pain and swelling early.
• Elevate the hand (above heart level) and avoid slings.
• Use compression bandages for fingers.
• Immobilise joints in the “protective position”:
- MP joints flexed (70–90°)
- PIP and DIP joints extended (0°)
- Thumb abducted and away from palm
This helps keep ligaments stretched and prevents contracture.
Clinical Pearls / Key Points
• Mallet finger = cannot straighten fingertip; treat with splinting.• Jersey finger = cannot bend fingertip; treat with surgery.
• Compliance with splinting is essential for mallet finger healing.
• Time-sensitive diagnosis is critical for jersey finger (best outcomes within 7–10 days).
• Joint stiffness is avoidable—correct splint position and hand elevation are essential.
Patient FAQs
Q: How do I know if I have a mallet or jersey finger?
A: If you can’t straighten the fingertip, it may be a mallet finger. If you can’t bend it, especially after pulling on something, it may be a jersey finger.
Q: Can I just wait and see if it improves?
A: Delayed treatment can cause permanent stiffness or loss of motion. Mallet finger can often be treated non-surgically, but jersey finger requires urgent surgical review.
Q: What is the best position to splint my hand?
A: The “protective position”: MP joints bent, PIP and DIP joints straight. This prevents contractures and long-term stiffness.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: If your fingertip droops, you can’t bend it, or there’s swelling and pain that lasts more than a few days, seek medical advice. Earlier treatment gives better outcomes.
Call-to-Action
For finger injury diagrams, recovery timelines, and splint advice, visit www.TheArmDoc.co.uk.
To book an appointment or send a photo of your injury for review, call 020 3384 5588 or email Info@TheArmDoc.co.uk.
Evidence & Guidelines
Information in this leaflet is supported by clinical guidelines and expert consensus in hand trauma care. Based on data from NICE, BSSH, and leading orthopaedic hand surgery literature.Disclaimer
This leaflet is for education only and not a substitute for personal medical consultation. Always see a hand specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment advice.