Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You have torn the Extensor tendon or have a small fracture at the attachment of the tendon that straightens the end joint of your finger.
We call this a ‘mallet finger injury’
To treat this, the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint must be held straight in a splint for 6 to 8 weeks. This is because tendons heal very slowly.
If the finger is allowed to bend during this time, healing will be delayed or will not occur at all, and the ‘droop’ of your finger will be permanent. The splint will keep the finger extended when the hand is in use.
The splint should ONLY be removed for short periods of time for the purpose of hygiene to the finger and cleaning of the splint. Whilst the splint is off, the finger MUST be kept straight at all times.
The splint must be applied so that it only restricts the DIP joint from flexing. It must not restrict the next finger joint from being able to flex as this will result in stiffness developing in an uninjured joint.
After the 6 to 8 weeks, you may be advised to continue wearing the splint at night for a period of time.
Whilst wearing the splint
DO:
- Keep your hand elevated and exercise all joints which are not splinted.
- Keep your finger dry to avoid the skin becoming macerated under the splint.
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your splinted finger to help with pain relief and to reduce any localised swelling.
- Take pain relief as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
DO NOT:
- Attempt to examine the healing by bending the finger tip until advised by your Consultant or Hand Therapist.
- Wear any rings on the injured hand until the injured finger has healed. All rings must be removed due to potential swelling and circulation problems.
If you have any worries or concerns, please contact:
The contact number for the Plaster Room at Frimley Park is: 0300 6134339
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
The contact number for the Plaster Room at Wexham Park is: 0300 6154058
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 1pm (closed in the afternoon)
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Plaster room service.
About this information
Service:
Plaster room
Reference:
N/057
Approval date:
1 November 2025
Review date:
1 November 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.