Upper limb and brachial plexus: mallet finger: practice question

A Anatomy 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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Anatomy · Upper limb and brachial plexus: mallet finger

Sample item

A cricketer is struck on the tip of the finger by the ball. The distal joint now droops in flexion and cannot be actively extended. Which structure is injured?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Extensor tendon insertion on the distal phalanx

A mallet finger results from rupture or avulsion of the terminal extensor tendon at the base of the distal phalanx, so the distal interphalangeal joint rests in flexion and cannot be extended actively.

Option by option

  • A. Central slip of the extensor expansion

    Injury to the central slip affects the proximal interphalangeal joint instead.

  • B. Extensor tendon insertion on the distal phalanx (correct)

    Correct. Loss of the terminal extensor slip leaves the distal joint drooping.

  • C. Flexor digitorum profundus insertion

    Injury here causes inability to flex the distal joint, not extend it.

  • D. Ulnar collateral ligament of the joint

    A collateral injury causes lateral instability and not a flexed, non-extending distal joint.

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.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Extensor tendon insertion on the distal phalanx. A mallet finger results from rupture or avulsion of the terminal extensor tendon at the base of the distal phalanx, so the distal interphalangeal joint rests in flexion and cannot be extended actively.

Why is "Central slip of the extensor expansion" not the answer?

Injury to the central slip affects the proximal interphalangeal joint instead.

Why is "Flexor digitorum profundus insertion" not the answer?

Injury here causes inability to flex the distal joint, not extend it.

Why is "Ulnar collateral ligament of the joint" not the answer?

A collateral injury causes lateral instability and not a flexed, non-extending distal joint.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb and brachial plexus: mallet finger in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct. Loss of the terminal extensor slip leaves the distal joint drooping.

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 Upper limb and brachial plexus: mallet finger?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy 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.