Mallet finger refers to the droop of the end joint where an extensor tendon has been cut or separated from the bone resulting in a fingertip that cannot be straightened. Whether the tendon injury is caused by a cut or jammed finger, splinting is necessary. Splinting is done to keep the fingertip in slight hyperextension until the tendon is healed. The size of the splint and length of time the splint is needed is determined by the type and location of the injury. The splint should remain in place constantly during this time. The tendon may take four to eight weeks, or longer in some patients, to heal completely. A custom made splint is often preferrable to an "off the shelf" splint as the fingertip can be maintained in slight hyperextension which leads to improved results.

A typical Mallet Deformity

Custom Fabricated DIP extension splint