Mallet finger is also commonly known as which term?

Mallet finger is also commonly known as which term?

• A. Boutonniere Deformity
• B. Swan Neck Deformity
• C. Ulnar Drift
• D. Baseball Finger

Answer: (D)

Baseball finger is the common name for mallet finger. It happens when the terminal extensor tendon at the distal phalanx is injured, often after a ball forces the fingertip into flexion. The injury may avulse a small bone fragment and causes the fingertip to droop, making it hard to actively straighten the DIP joint. This name comes from sports like baseball. It’s different from boutonniere deformity (PIP injury with flexed PIP), swan neck deformity (PIP hyperextension with DIP flexion), and ulnar drift (a rheumatoid deformity).

Baseball finger is the common name for mallet finger. It happens when the terminal extensor tendon at the distal phalanx is injured, often after a ball forces the fingertip into flexion. The injury may avulse a small bone fragment and causes the fingertip to droop, making it hard to actively straighten the DIP joint. This name comes from sports like baseball. It’s different from boutonniere deformity (PIP injury with flexed PIP), swan neck deformity (PIP hyperextension with DIP flexion), and ulnar drift (a rheumatoid deformity).