How to Splint a Finger with a Torn Extensor Tendon

Assess the injury. Begin by confirming whether the finger has indeed torn its extensor tendon. If so, the last joint of the finger (the one closest to the nail) will be painful. The joint will be bent inward and immobile, preventing the finger from straightening.

Apply ice indirectly. Ice will help reduce swelling and pain at the joint. However, do not apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, wrap the ice in a cloth or use a frozen vegetable bag to press against the injury.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain is intense, certain pain relievers that are readily available can provide some relief. These include Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, and Tylenol. Use these medications during your recovery if the pain persists. The mentioned medications (except Tylenol) also have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Create a temporary splint. You should consult a doctor to get a proper splint. However, if you're unable to do so immediately, you can try creating a DIY splint to straighten the finger. Take a popsicle stick and place it beneath the finger. Wrap some adhesive tape around the finger and the stick to secure the finger to the stick, forming a brace for the finger. The goal is to keep the finger straight.

• If your finger is severely bent, the healing process will be slower. Any straight, rigid object can be used as a splint, as long as it's sturdy enough to hold the finger in place. The tape should also be tight enough to prevent the finger from moving and bending but not so tight as to cut off circulation or cause the finger to become numb or discolored.

Visit a doctor immediately. The sooner you see a doctor for splinting the finger, the quicker the injury will heal. You should do this within a few days, ideally on the day of the injury. The doctor will take an X-ray to check whether the tendon is torn and if any bones are fractured along with the tendon. The doctor will then provide a treatment plan – typically splinting.

• In rare cases, wearing a splint may interfere with your work – for example, if you are a surgeon – in which case, the alternative is to insert an internal pin to keep the finger straight.

Choose a splint. There are many different types of splints available, each affecting the way you use your finger in various ways. Discuss your habits and work with your doctor so they can recommend the most suitable splint for you. Options include stack splints, aluminum splints, and the Oval-8 Finger splint. The third type offers the least coverage of the finger and is typically the least bulky.

Wear the splint properly. Ensure the splint is tight enough to keep your finger completely straight. If the finger bends, you will experience sharp, piercing pain at the joint. Do not wrap the bandage too tightly, as it could cause discomfort or make the fingertip turn purple.

Wear the splint consistently until your doctor advises otherwise. Although wearing a splint can be uncomfortable, it is crucial to keep your finger straight. If your finger bends, the tendon that is healing could tear again, requiring you to restart the entire recovery process.

• You may be tempted to remove the splint when showering. One of the advantages of the Oval-8 Finger splint is that it is water-resistant. If you use other types of splints, you should place your finger in a plastic bag or wear a glove.

Update your doctor on your progress. After about 6 to 8 weeks, the doctor will reassess your treatment plan. If there is improvement, they may allow you to gradually reduce the use of the splint, such as only wearing it at night while you sleep.

Consider surgery. Surgery is rarely required for a torn extensor tendon. However, if X-rays show that the bone is also fractured, you may need surgery. Otherwise, surgery is not recommended, as it does not usually result in better outcomes and may even worsen the condition compared to traditional splinting methods.

• Approximately 10 days after surgery, you will need a follow-up appointment to have your stitches removed and to monitor the healing process.

• The healing process will take some time. You will need to wear a splint continuously for at least six weeks, potentially longer, depending on how quickly the injury heals.