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Restoring range of motion to injured fingertips
Mallet Fingers
If you can’t extend the tip of your finger out straight, you may have an injured the terminal extensor – the tendon on the outside of your finger that pulls it out straight. This condition leads to a drooping fingertip, also known as a “mallet finger.”
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Dr. Abeyewardene
OSSO South
10001 S. Western, Suite 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
What are Mallet Fingers?
Each of your fingers has a tendon that allows the finger to flex or extend. A cut or injury to the outside of the tip of your finger can detach or injure the tendon that fully extends your fingertip – the terminal extensor. This can happen as a result of jamming your finger when falling, trying to catch a ball or heavy object, or by simply cutting the outside of your finger.
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How Dr. Abeye Treats Mallet Fingers
Mallet Fingers are Highly Treatable
At Dr. Abeye’s clinic, we always begin with the most conservative, non-surgical approaches, increasing intervention levels as necessary to achieve relief from pain, increased strength and range of motion.
Non-Operative Mallet Finger Intervention: Splinting
Extension splinting of the joint in question for 8 weeks is the primary treatment for mallet fingers, resulting in healing for the vast majority of mallet finger cases.
Surgical Mallet Finger Treatment: Pinning
This technique involves the pinning of the joint at your fingertip (the DIP joint) in extension. The buried pin is then removed in clinic when the tendon has healed.
What to Expect
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Abeye to investigate possible mallet fingers in our Oklahoma City clinic, you can expect a thorough examination of your hands and wrists, imaging (if necessary), a conversation about your symptoms and education about what is likely happening. You’ll receive a diagnosis, plan of action and any necessary braces or medications.
If you’re ready for relief, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
Are Your Symptoms Different?
If your symptoms differ from those discussed above, you may be suffering from a different disorder. Here are some other common conditions that may be a better match.
Flexor and Extensor Injuries
Drooping or unextendible fingers.
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Hand, Wrist & Elbow Specialist
Hand, Wrist & Elbow Orthopedic Expertise
About Our Office
Dr. Abeye is an experienced orthopedic hand surgeon, dedicated to – and fascinated by – the intricacies of the fingers, hands, wrists and elbows.
Patient Info
Find information about splint and cast care, pain management and more on our patient resource page.
Reach Out
Our office staff is here to help with whatever you need. Please don’t hesitate to call with your questions, concerns, or just to schedule your next appointment!