Epidemiologic study of the mallet finger deformity.

An epidemiologic survey of 24 members of a three-generation family revealed an unusually high incidence of mallet fingers. Twenty mallet fingers were found in seven family members by clinical examination, suggesting a familial predisposition to develop this deformity. Multiple mallet fingers (range, two to six) occurred in four individuals. Classification of these mallet fingers based on the mechanism of injury demonstrated a high incidence (85%) resulting from minimal trauma or occurring spontaneously. Symptoms and signs of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were documented in five family members with mallet fingers (71%), and three individuals with mallet finger deformities also had associated trigger fingers (43%).