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Trigger Finger/Thumb
Osteoarthritis of the Hand/Thumb
Mallet Finger
Ganglion
Dupuytren’s Contracture
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Mallet Finger
Last updated 2nd December 2022
Signs/Symptoms
- Pain and swelling over the end of the finger
- The end of the finger lies in a bent position
- Inability to hold the finger straight at the end joint.
Advice in Primary Care
- A splint should be applied to keep the finger in a straight position at the end joint.
- The splint is worn continuously for six to eight weeks – at the end of this period wear splint in bed only for a further 2 weeks.
- The splint should not cover the PIPJ; important to continue to bend the other joints in the finger to prevent stiffness
- Very important that the end joint does not bend during the splintage treatment period. When remove the splint to wash the finger, must hold finger straight and not allow it to bend
- Normal activities can be undertaken with the splint in situ
Actions in Primary Care
- An x-ray should be taken to look for a fracture – severe mallet fractures sometimes require surgical treatment, especially if the fracture has allowed the end joint to drop out of alignment.
- Provide patient with the following information
Referral to Secondary Care
- If still experiencing significant symptoms after several weeks REFER VIA SCI GATEWAY TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY HAND CLINIC and INCLUDE FOLLWING IN REFERRAL:
- Duration of: self management – ? tried splint for 6 weeks or more
- Precipitating factors i.e. injury/trauma, Occupation
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