Finger Extensor Tendon Injury
Overview
Definition
An extensor tendon injury is damage to the tissues on the back of the hand and fingers. It can make it hard for you to open your hand and straighten your fingers. The 2 types of this injury are:
- Boutonniere deformity —harm to the middle joint of a finger, often from arthritis
- Mallet finger —harm to the last joint of the finger, often from stretching it too far
Extensor Tendons of the Hand |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
A splint will be needed to protect the finger as it heals. Other options are:
Medications
Medicine may be given to ease pain. Antibiotics may be used to treat an infection.
Surgery
Some people may need surgery to repair the tendon. Exercises will also be given to help with finger strength and motion.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Mallet Finger; Boutonniere Deformity)
RESOURCES
American Society for Surgery of the Hand http://www.assh.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
Trauma Association of Canada http://www.traumacanada.org
References
Extensor tendon injuries. American Society for Surgery of the Hand website. Available at: http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/ExtensorTendonInjuries.aspx. Published 2014. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Leggit JC, Meko CJ. Acute finger injuries: part I. Tendons and ligaments. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Mar 1;73(5):810-816.
Mallet finger. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/mallet-finger . Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed September 23, 2019.