How effective is tendon repair surgery for mallet finger?

Mallet finger occurs when the tendon that straightens the end joint of a finger is disrupted, sometimes with a small bone injury. The fingertip may droop and straightening may be difficult. Many injuries are managed with a carefully fitted splint that keeps the end joint straight while the tendon heals. Surgery may be considered when a fracture affects joint alignment, the joint cannot be held in position, the injury is open or a delayed problem has not responded to appropriate care. The expected result depends on timing, joint condition and adherence to protection.

Keep the end joint in the prescribed position and follow splint instructions closely; even a brief bend during early healing can disrupt progress. Keep the skin clean and dry as advised, check for pressure areas and exercise only the joints your clinician permits. After protection, hand therapy may restore controlled movement and grip. Do not return to ball sports, forceful gripping or heavy hand use until cleared.

Seek assessment promptly after a fingertip injury that causes drooping, pain, swelling or inability to straighten, especially if there is a cut or the finger looks out of line. During splinting or after surgery, report worsening swelling, colour change, numbness, skin breakdown, drainage or fever. Sudden loss of correction should be checked rather than managed by tightening the splint yourself.

Is the tendon, bone or joint involved? Can splint treatment meet my needs? How must the splint be managed during washing? When will hand therapy and gripping begin, and what residual droop is possible?