Our Summary

This research paper is about a common injury known as mallet finger, which happens when the farthest away bone in a finger is suddenly forced to bend, or, less frequently, overextended. This injury can involve either the tendon or bone, and is usually treated with a splint. However, in some cases, surgery may be needed. The paper notes that there’s not a lot of agreement on when surgery should be performed or what the best surgical method is. The goal of the paper is to offer a practical, evidence-backed approach to treating mallet finger to help surgeons provide the best possible care to their patients.

FAQs

  1. What is mallet finger and how is it usually treated?
  2. Under what circumstances might surgery be needed for mallet finger?
  3. What is the goal of the research paper regarding the treatment of mallet finger?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing hand surgery to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the hand elevated, regularly changing bandages, and attending follow-up appointments. They may also recommend starting physical therapy as soon as possible to help regain strength and mobility in the hand. Additionally, they may suggest avoiding activities that could put strain on the hand during the recovery period to ensure proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery for mallet finger or other hand injuries may include:

  1. Individuals with severe or complex mallet finger injuries that do not respond to conservative treatment such as splinting.
  2. Patients with open fractures or other injuries that require surgical intervention to repair damaged tissues or bones.
  3. Individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis that affect the function and mobility of the hand and fingers.
  4. Patients with deformities or abnormalities in the hand or fingers that impact their quality of life or ability to perform daily tasks.
  5. Individuals with sports-related injuries or trauma that result in significant damage to the hand or fingers.
  6. Patients with nerve damage or other neurological conditions that require surgical intervention to restore function and sensation in the hand.
  7. Individuals with tumors or growths in the hand or fingers that require surgical removal.
  8. Patients with congenital hand abnormalities or birth defects that require surgical correction to improve hand function and appearance.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Injury occurs, such as a sudden force causing the finger to bend or overextend.
  2. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected finger.
  3. Patient seeks medical attention and is diagnosed with mallet finger.
  4. Non-surgical treatments, such as splinting, are attempted but do not fully resolve the issue.
  5. Surgeon recommends hand surgery as the best course of action.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes hand surgery to repair the tendon or bone in the affected finger.
  2. Patient is given post-operative care instructions, including wound care and rehabilitation exercises.
  3. Patient experiences pain and swelling in the immediate post-operative period.
  4. Over time, pain and swelling decrease as the finger heals.
  5. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected finger.
  6. Patient gradually returns to normal activities, with full recovery taking several weeks to months depending on the severity of the injury and type of surgery performed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of undergoing hand surgery for mallet finger?
  2. How long is the recovery period after hand surgery for mallet finger?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of hand surgery for mallet finger?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery for mallet finger that I could consider?
  6. How many surgeries for mallet finger have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after hand surgery for mallet finger?
  8. How long will I need to wear a splint or cast after the surgery?
  9. What type of follow-up care will be required after hand surgery for mallet finger?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with hand surgery for mallet finger that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Nashi N, Sebastin SJ. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2021 Sep;26(3):319-332. doi: 10.1142/S2424835521400063. PMID: 34380387