What does "Mallet finger" refer to?

• A. Fracture of the distal phalanx
• B. Jammed finger with extensor tendon tear
• C. Dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint
• D. Complete severing of the flexor tendon

Answer: (B)

Mallet finger refers to an injury to the finger resulting from trauma, typically causing a tear in the extensor tendon that leads to the inability to extend the distal phalanx. This condition is often seen when an object strikes the fingertip, causing the tip to droop and preventing it from straightening out. The injury specifically affects the tendon that straightens the finger at the last joint, leading to the characteristic 'mallet' appearance.

In this context, understanding the mechanisms behind mallet finger highlights the significance of tendon injuries versus bone injuries or dislocations. Other options present conditions related to different anatomical structures or injury patterns, such as fractures of bones, dislocations, and flexor tendon injuries, which do not accurately describe the specific nature of a mallet finger. Therefore, the identification of a jammed finger accompanied by an extensor tendon tear aptly characterizes mallet finger.