Hand trauma: mallet finger: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Hand trauma: mallet finger

Sample item

A ball strikes the tip of an extended finger, after which the patient cannot actively extend the distal interphalangeal joint. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Mallet finger

Mallet finger results from terminal extensor tendon disruption at the distal interphalangeal joint, producing a drooping fingertip. Continuous splinting in extension is commonly used.

Option by option

  • A. Mallet finger (correct)

    Correct. Loss of DIP extension after a forced flexion injury is mallet finger.

  • B. Trigger finger

    Trigger finger causes catching during flexion and extension.

  • C. Jersey finger

    Jersey finger is flexor digitorum profundus avulsion with inability to flex the DIP.

  • D. Dupuytren contracture

    Dupuytren disease causes progressive palmar fascial contracture.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Mallet finger. Mallet finger results from terminal extensor tendon disruption at the distal interphalangeal joint, producing a drooping fingertip.

Why is "Trigger finger" not the answer?

Trigger finger causes catching during flexion and extension.

Why is "Jersey finger" not the answer?

Jersey finger is flexor digitorum profundus avulsion with inability to flex the DIP.

Why is "Dupuytren contracture" not the answer?

Dupuytren disease causes progressive palmar fascial contracture.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hand trauma: mallet finger in Orthopaedics. Continuous splinting in extension is commonly used.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hand trauma: mallet finger?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.