Hammer Finger: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Options

Q: Hammer Finger: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Options

Hello： Your condition is caused by a rupture of the flexor tendon attachment at the base of the distal phalanx, leading to a mallet finger. <br>Most cases are treated conservatively, but if it has been several years and the condition is worsening with associated pain, it is impor

The left ring finger exhibits a clubbed appearance?

Hello, doctor! When I was in the second year of junior high school (14 years old), I injured my left ring finger while playing basketball and hitting it against a carrot.
At that moment, my entire finger swelled up, and I couldn't bend it.
I immediately went to the orthopedic department at the hospital, where they used a splint to stabilize the injury for two weeks.
After the splint was removed, the swelling persisted.
Now, I am in my fourth year of college (22 years old) and I play the piano.
My left ring finger has become increasingly bent (like a hammer toe) and is painful.
Last December, I visited a doctor again, who said that I might have a tendon rupture, and I should use a splint to prevent further bending of the finger.
I would like to ask the doctor if my finger tendon is really ruptured.
If it is indeed ruptured, is there still a possibility for treatment? Since I play the piano, my left ring finger hurts after playing for a while.
Is there a way to improve this? Is surgery an option? My fingers are really important to me!

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/10

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

Hello: Your condition is caused by a rupture of the flexor tendon attachment at the base of the distal phalanx, leading to a mallet finger.
Most cases are treated conservatively, but if it has been several years and the condition is worsening with associated pain, it is important to evaluate for possible arthritis.
It is recommended to consult with a hand surgeon (a subspecialty of orthopedics).
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2016/11/10

More Info

Hammer finger, also known as mallet finger, is a condition that occurs when the tendon that straightens the finger is damaged, often due to an injury. This can result in the inability to extend the finger at the distal joint, leading to a characteristic drooping appearance. In your case, the injury you sustained while playing basketball at the age of 14 seems to have led to a long-term issue with your left ring finger, which has progressively worsened over the years.

Causes of Hammer Finger
The primary cause of hammer finger is trauma to the finger, which can occur in various sports, particularly those involving balls or other fast-moving objects. When the finger is struck, the extensor tendon can either stretch excessively or tear, leading to the inability to straighten the finger. In your situation, the initial injury from the basketball game likely caused damage to the tendon, which may not have healed properly, resulting in the current deformity and pain.

Treatment Options
The treatment for hammer finger typically depends on the severity of the injury. In many cases, conservative treatment is effective, which includes:
1. Splinting: This involves immobilizing the finger with a splint for a period of time (usually 6-8 weeks) to allow the tendon to heal properly. It is crucial to keep the finger straight during this time to prevent further deformity.

2. Physical Therapy: Once the splint is removed, rehabilitation exercises can help restore movement and strength to the finger. This is particularly important for someone like you, who plays the piano and relies on finger dexterity.

3. Surgery: If the tendon is completely ruptured or if there is a significant deformity that does not improve with conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery can involve repairing the tendon or, in some cases, realigning the bone if there is a fracture.

Recovery and Prognosis
The recovery process can vary based on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. If the tendon was indeed ruptured and has not healed properly, the prognosis may not be as favorable. However, with appropriate treatment, many individuals can regain significant function in their fingers.
For someone who plays the piano, regaining full function is essential. After surgery or a prolonged period of splinting, physical therapy will be crucial to help you regain strength and flexibility in your finger. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely during this process.

Conclusion
Given your history of injury and the current symptoms you are experiencing, it is advisable to consult with a hand specialist or orthopedic surgeon who can provide a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to assess the condition of the tendon and surrounding structures. If a tendon rupture is confirmed, they can discuss the best course of action, which may include surgical repair.

In summary, while hammer finger can be a frustrating condition, there are treatment options available that can help improve your finger's function and alleviate pain. Early intervention and adherence to treatment protocols will be key to achieving the best possible outcome, especially since playing the piano is important to you.

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