Mallet finger is often associated with a dorsal fracture of the base of the terminal phalanx. This is sometimes referred to as a mallet finger fracture but such a term is unwise because it may be applied to all fractures in this position. The purpose of this paper is to justify this warning and to distinguish between such fractures with and without mallet finger. However treated, mallet finger, with or without fracture, often leads to persistent loss of some active extension of the finger. In 11 cases of fracture without mallet finger in which there was no subluxation, full function was regained by comfortable support and early activity; operation was not required. In 2 cases with subluxation, the joint became stiff and open fixation may lead to a better result.