[cantsleep]

i had a tendon split (mallet finger). i had the splinter on for 7 weeks so far.
i visited the hospital every 2 weeks and all they did was to see and say ok, come back in 2 weeks.
and i pay $70 for 2 min check up. 
 
i have an appointment next monday. and i think they will finally remove the splinter when i make a visit next week.
should i go or should i just skip and take it off myself.
 
 
anyone had experience with mallet finger?
 
 
strange thing is that they only take cash. no credit cards.
and my medical insurance doesnt seem to apply at that location

 

[Merck]

Is that the only place you can go?  Is this an orthopedic physician's office or is this just a clinic?

 

[cifani090]

Hmm, pretty funny. How many appointment's have you had for your doctors office, total? I think its fine right now, but just begin to move it around/exercise the finger and take it off. Apply pressure to the surround area to see if it still hurts or not, up to you weather or not you want to take it off. But at $70 per visit, times by 3-6 visits, thats pretty costs with no insurance and payment out of pocket.

 

[KimChee]

My guess is you had the splint made/fitted at an outpatient PT/hand specialist or OT clinic.  Orthopedic doctors are usually are not so great at making splints..They should be measuring you range of motion (extension), you should be ok, but there is also the chance that you may not regain full extension in the extensor tendon..I recommend going back to the doc/PT/OT because there is a chance you may have to wear the splint longer than 7 weeks depending on other factors, and they need to look at it to see.  OTOH, they may just look at it and say you're fine and you have to put down $70 and you'll feel ripped off lol.

 

[buggalugs]

Had a mallet finger 19 years ago. Sort of healed up in about 6 weeks but the joint is STILL swollen and clicks loudly from time to time.
Hope your outcome is better! 

 

[cantsleep]

that doesnt sound good. i guess ill have to take a visit