A rock climber feels sudden pain at the base of his ring finger while gripping a ledge. He can extend all joints normally but cannot flex the distal interphalangeal joint of that finger against resistance. The most likely diagnosis is:

• A Mallet finger due to extensor avulsion
• B Avulsion of flexor digitorum profundus from the distal phalanx (jersey finger) ✓
• C Trigger finger due to A1 pulley stenosis
• D Rupture of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon at the camptodactyly level

Explanation

Avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus insertion from the volar base of the distal phalanx, called jersey finger, typically affects the ring finger during forced extension of a fully flexed digit. Loss of active DIP flexion with normal passive motion is diagnostic. Mallet finger causes loss of DIP extension, and trigger finger presents with locking rather than loss of active flexion power.

Reference: Apley's System of Orthopaedics and Fractures, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.