Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute onset of right middle finger pain and deformity following a direct traumatic injury to the distal phalanx. Patient reports inability to actively extend the DIP joint. No history of prior injury to the digit. Denies numbness, tingling, or neurovascular compromise.
Clinical Examination Findings
Right middle finger: DIP joint held in a flexed position (lag). Passive extension is full, but active extension is absent. Tenderness localized to the dorsal aspect of the DIP joint. No signs of open wound or infection. Neurovascular status intact; capillary refill < 2 seconds.
Treatment Protocol
Diagnosis of mallet finger confirmed. Applied custom-molded thermoplastic splint to the right middle finger, maintaining the DIP joint in slight hyperextension. Instructed patient on continuous splint wear for 6-8 weeks. Advised to avoid removing the splint for any reason during the initial phase. Follow-up scheduled to monitor skin integrity and alignment.