Mallet finger. The top part of this finger is bent at an angle from the rest of the finger. This is due to damage to the tendon that normally supports the final bone (distal phalanx) of a finger, and keeps it aligned with the other bones. This tendon is called the extensor tendon. This injury usually occurs during ball sports. The ball hits the top of the finger and causes the tendon to tear. The injury is treated with a splint to keep the finger in its correct alignment while the tendon heals. The splint should be worn for 6-8 weeks. A tendon is a cord of connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. This injury was sustained while playing football.