Mallet finger is a condition that results when the tendon responsible for extending or straightening the finger (extensor tendon) becomes damaged. This can occur when an object, often a ball, strikes the finger and injures the tendon. The tendon can rupture (break) or it can pull off a piece of bone from the last bone in the finger (distal phalanx) causing the end of the finger to droop. If this happens, the finger cannot be extended.
Mallet finger is a condition that results when the tendon responsible for extending or straightening the finger (extensor tendon) becomes damaged. This can occur when an object, often a ball, strikes the finger and injures the tendon. The tendon can rupture (break) or it can pull off a piece of bone from the last bone in the finger (distal phalanx) causing the end of the finger to droop. If this happens, the finger cannot be extended.