An X ray picture showing a fracture where the common extensor tendon attaches, at the end of a finger.
An x ray reveals a fracture where the common extensor tendon attaches to the end of the finger showing a bone chip pulled away by the tendon.
An X ray picture showing a fracture where the common extensor tendon attaches, at the end of a finger.

This Fracture could have been missed had this X-ray been done in only one plane.

An avulsion fracture, at the attachment point of the extensor tendon in the finger, happens when a piece of bone is separated by the tendon at its connection site on the end bone of the finger. This usually occurs from a bending back of the finger often during sports or other vigorous activities. The common extensor tendon, which helps in straightening the finger experiences a load leading it to detach a portion of the bone. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, discoloration and difficulty fully straightening the finger. Treatment typically involves using a splint, for immobilization though in some cases surgery might be needed to reattach both the tendon and bone fragment.