What should you know about plastic mallet finger splint?

Mallet finger happens when the tendon that straightens the end joint of a finger is injured, sometimes with a small bone fragment. The fingertip may droop and may not actively straighten. A plastic splint supports the distal finger joint in extension while the injured tissues heal. It should allow the middle finger joint to move unless your clinician says otherwise. The fit matters: pressure on the skin, a loose splint, or repeated bending can interfere with treatment.

Wear the splint for the schedule prescribed and keep the fingertip straight whenever the splint is removed for cleaning. Support the finger on a flat surface, lift the splint away without letting the tip drop, wash and dry the skin, then replace it in the same position. Do not test the tendon by bending the fingertip. Keep the splint clean and check for pressure marks, blisters, or damp skin. [Splinting] explains the general purpose of this type of support.

Arrange review if the fingertip becomes more painful, swollen, numb, pale, or blue, or if the splint causes a sore or persistent pressure mark. Contact the treating team promptly if the finger bends while the splint is off, the splint breaks, or you cannot keep the joint straight. A tendon injury that does not improve as expected may need a different splint or discussion of [Tendon Repair Surgery].

Ask how long the splint should be worn continuously, how to clean it without bending the fingertip, and when supervised breaks or exercises may begin. Ask how to recognise skin damage and what to do if the fingertip droops during care.