What are the common causes of dislocated finger tendons. How to recognize the symptoms of a dislocated finger. What treatment options are available for finger tendon injuries. When should you seek immediate medical attention for a dislocated finger. How long does recovery typically take for finger dislocations.

Understanding Finger Dislocation: A Common Hand Injury

Finger dislocation is a prevalent injury that occurs when the bones of a finger are forced out of their normal alignment. While it can affect any joint in any finger, the middle knuckle of the little, ring, middle, or index finger is most commonly impacted. This painful condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term complications and ensure proper healing.

Common Causes of Finger Dislocations

Finger dislocations typically result from a sudden, forceful impact or overextension of the finger. Some common scenarios that can lead to this injury include:

• Sports-related accidents, such as a basketball or baseball striking an outstretched finger
• Fingers getting caught in equipment like game jerseys or protective pads
• Falling onto an outstretched hand
• Workplace accidents involving machinery or tools

Understanding these causes can help individuals take preventive measures, especially during high-risk activities.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger

Identifying a dislocated finger is usually straightforward due to its distinct appearance and associated symptoms. Key indicators include:

• A visibly crooked or bent finger at an unusual angle
• Significant swelling and pain in the affected digit
• Inability to bend or straighten the finger
• Numbness or tingling sensation in severe cases
• Pale coloration of the injured finger
• Possible skin breakage at the site of injury

Recognizing these symptoms promptly can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes.

Is a dislocated finger always visibly obvious?

In most cases, yes. A dislocated finger typically appears noticeably crooked or bent at an abnormal angle, making it visually distinct from a simple sprain or bruise. The affected digit is often swollen and may be positioned in a way that clearly indicates it’s out of its normal alignment.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Finger Dislocation

If you suspect a finger dislocation, taking immediate action can help minimize complications and pain. Follow these steps:

1. Remove any rings or jewelry from the affected hand to prevent circulatory issues as swelling increases.
2. Apply an ice pack to the injured finger to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
3. Elevate the hand above heart level to further minimize swelling.
4. Seek medical attention promptly, especially if there’s numbness, open wounds, or discoloration.

Remember, attempting to realign the finger yourself is not recommended and can lead to further damage.

Medical Evaluation and Treatment for Dislocated Fingers

Upon seeking medical care for a dislocated finger, you can expect the following process:

1. Physical examination of the injured finger
2. X-rays to confirm the dislocation and check for any fractures
3. Administration of local anesthetic to manage pain
4. Realignment of the dislocated bones by a medical professional
5. Application of a protective splint or “buddy taping” to an adjacent finger
6. Follow-up X-rays to confirm proper alignment and identify any previously undetected fractures

This comprehensive approach ensures proper diagnosis and treatment of the injury.

Why is professional medical treatment crucial for finger dislocations?

Professional medical treatment is essential for finger dislocations because it ensures proper realignment of the bones, minimizes the risk of further damage, and allows for a thorough assessment of potential complications. Doctors can provide appropriate pain management, detect any associated fractures through X-rays, and initiate a proper healing and rehabilitation plan tailored to the specific injury.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery Process

After initial treatment, proper care is crucial for optimal healing. The recovery process typically involves:

• Applying ice packs for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours in the first 2-3 days
• Elevating the injured hand to reduce swelling and pain
• Taking prescribed anti-inflammatory medication as directed
• Wearing a splint for 3-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury
• Performing recommended exercises to strengthen the finger and maintain flexibility
• Following up with a bone specialist to monitor the healing process

Adhering to these care instructions can significantly impact the speed and quality of recovery.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications

While most simple finger dislocations have a positive prognosis, it’s important to understand the potential long-term effects:

• Full function usually returns with proper treatment and rehabilitation
• Mild to moderate discomfort or reduced mobility may persist for 12-18 months
• In some cases, chronic pain or stiffness may develop
• Repeated dislocations can increase the risk of arthritis in the affected joint

Regular follow-ups and adherence to rehabilitation protocols can help minimize these risks and promote optimal recovery.

How long does it typically take for a dislocated finger to fully heal?

The healing time for a dislocated finger can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. Generally, the initial acute phase lasts about 4-6 weeks, during which the finger is often immobilized in a splint. However, full recovery, including regaining complete strength and range of motion, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. In some cases, mild discomfort or reduced function may persist for up to 12-18 months post-injury.

Preventing Finger Dislocations: Tips and Best Practices

While not all finger dislocations are preventable, certain precautions can reduce the risk:

• Wear protective gloves during sports and manual labor activities
• Remove rings and jewelry before engaging in physical activities or working with machinery
• Use proper technique and equipment when participating in sports
• Be cautious when handling objects that could potentially trap or catch fingers
• Maintain good hand and finger strength through regular exercises

By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a finger dislocation.

Innovative Treatments and Future Directions in Finger Dislocation Care

As medical science advances, new approaches to treating and rehabilitating dislocated fingers are emerging:

• 3D-printed custom splints for more comfortable and effective immobilization
• Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning
• Regenerative medicine approaches, such as platelet-rich plasma therapy, to enhance healing
• Virtual reality-based rehabilitation exercises to improve patient engagement and outcomes
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for complex cases or recurrent dislocations

These innovations promise to improve treatment outcomes and potentially reduce recovery times for patients with finger dislocations.

How are technological advancements changing the landscape of finger dislocation treatment?

Technological advancements are revolutionizing finger dislocation treatment in several ways. 3D-printed custom splints offer better fit and comfort, potentially improving patient compliance and healing outcomes. Advanced imaging techniques like high-resolution MRI and 3D CT scans allow for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. Virtual reality rehabilitation programs provide engaging, interactive exercises that can enhance recovery and improve range of motion. Additionally, regenerative medicine approaches like platelet-rich plasma injections show promise in accelerating healing and reducing long-term complications.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Finger Dislocation Recovery

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of dislocated fingers. A comprehensive physical therapy program typically includes:

• Range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility
• Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle and tendon strength
• Manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve joint mobility
• Education on proper hand use and ergonomics to prevent re-injury
• Customized splinting or taping techniques for ongoing support

Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can significantly enhance recovery outcomes and help patients regain full function of their injured finger.

Why is physical therapy essential for optimal recovery from finger dislocations?

Physical therapy is essential for optimal recovery from finger dislocations because it addresses multiple aspects of healing and rehabilitation. It helps restore range of motion, which can be limited due to immobilization during the initial healing phase. Strengthening exercises rebuild muscle and tendon strength, crucial for regaining full function. Manual therapy techniques can reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Additionally, physical therapists provide education on proper hand use and ergonomics, which is vital for preventing re-injury and ensuring long-term hand health.

Impact of Finger Dislocations on Daily Life and Work

Finger dislocations can have significant impacts on various aspects of daily life and work:

• Temporary inability to perform fine motor tasks like typing, writing, or using touchscreens
• Challenges in personal care activities such as dressing or grooming
• Potential work limitations, especially in jobs requiring manual dexterity
• Restrictions in sports and recreational activities during the recovery period
• Psychological effects, including frustration or anxiety about the injury and recovery process

Understanding these potential impacts can help patients and their support systems better prepare for the recovery journey and make necessary accommodations.

How can individuals adapt their daily routines to accommodate a recovering dislocated finger?

Adapting daily routines for a recovering dislocated finger involves several strategies. Using voice-to-text software can help with typing and communication tasks. Opting for slip-on shoes and clothing with easy fasteners can simplify dressing. Utilizing adaptive tools like jar openers or key turners can assist with household tasks. In the workplace, temporary reassignment of duties or use of ergonomic equipment may be necessary. It’s also important to communicate limitations clearly with colleagues and family members to ensure proper support and avoid accidental re-injury during the recovery period.

Special Considerations for Athletes with Finger Dislocations

Athletes face unique challenges when recovering from finger dislocations:

• Specific sport-related rehabilitation exercises to regain necessary skills
• Careful assessment of when it’s safe to return to play
• Possible modifications to equipment or technique to prevent re-injury
• Psychological support to address fears of re-injury or performance anxiety
• Education on proper taping or bracing techniques for ongoing protection

Working closely with sports medicine specialists and athletic trainers can help athletes navigate these challenges and safely return to their sport.

When is it safe for an athlete to return to their sport after a finger dislocation?

The decision for an athlete to return to their sport after a finger dislocation depends on several factors. Generally, it’s safe when the athlete has regained full range of motion, strength comparable to the uninjured hand, and can perform sport-specific tasks without pain or instability. This typically occurs 6-8 weeks post-injury for uncomplicated cases. However, the exact timeline can vary based on the sport’s demands, the severity of the initial injury, and individual healing rates. A sports medicine physician should conduct a thorough evaluation and clearance before the athlete resumes full participation.

Dislocated Fingers

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Causes of a Dislocated Finger
• Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger
• When to Seek Medical Care for a Dislocated Finger
• Exams and Tests for a Dislocated Finger
• Finger Dislocation Treatment
• Medical Treatment for a Dislocated Finger
• Follow-up Care for a Dislocated Finger
• How to Prevent a Finger Dislocation
• Outlook for a Dislocated Finger

Finger dislocation is a common injury. It occurs when the bones of the finger are moved (dislocated) from their normal position. A dislocated finger can occur in any of the joints of any finger, but it occurs most often in the middle knuckle of the little, ring, middle, or index finger.

A dislocated finger is caused by a “jamming” force to be applied to the end of the finger, or the finger may be forcefully overextended. Either of these situations or a combination of both, can result in a dislocation. For example:

• During sports activities, a basketball or baseball may strike the tip of an outstretched finger.
• Your finger might get caught in equipment such as a game jersey or pads.
• You might fall onto your outstretched hand.

A dislocated finger is usually obvious. The finger appears crooked, swollen and is very painful. It may be bent upward or at strange angles. You probably won’t be able to bend or straighten the finger if it is dislocated. Also:

• Numbness or tingling with a severe dislocation.
• The injured finger may appear a pale color.
• The dislocation may cause a break in the skin where the injury has occurred. If this occurs, you should get medical attention right away.

When you have a dislocated finger, you should see a doctor at once. Delaying a visit to your doctor for a finger dislocation can make final treatment more difficult and can lead to delayed healing or permanent disability.

Seek medical attention immediately if there is any loss of sensation (numbness), if there are any open areas of skin, or if the finger is cold, pale, or bluish in color.

The doctor will first examine the finger you have injured. They will X-ray the finger to confirm the dislocation and look for any broken bones.

It is not recommended that you treat a finger dislocation at home. A visit to your doctor or the emergency department is usually necessary.

• If you have a dislocated finger, the finger will swell. To prevent further injury to the finger, immediately remove any jewelry, such as rings.
  Apply an ice pack to your injured finger and elevate the hand above the level of your heart.

The doctor may realign the dislocated bones of your finger with a simple technique. This will often require a local anesthetic injection into the finger to help decrease or stop the pain and allow the doctor to reduce the dislocation and realign the bones. You may also receive medications by mouth, injection, or IV to help the pain and ease the reduction.

• Your injured finger will then be placed in a protective splint or be “buddy taped” to the healthy finger next to it.
  The doctor may get a second x-ray to confirm the realignment of your finger and to check for any broken bones that may not have shown up on the first X-ray.

Apply an ice pack to your dislocated finger for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days or until the pain and swelling have subsided. This should lessen the pain and swelling that results from the finger dislocation.

• Elevate your injured finger on several pillows while lying down or on the back of a couch or chair while sitting. This will help reduce swelling and the pain that results.
• The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help control the pain of your injury. Take only as directed by your doctor.
• The doctor may refer you to a bone specialist in the week or so following your injury. The specialist will be able to monitor the healing process of your finger.
• Your finger will be splinted for 3-6 weeks if the healing process goes well.
• The doctor may give you exercises to perform during the healing process, which will help strengthen your finger and reduce the chance of decreased function of your finger.

Finger dislocations are usually the result of an accident and accidents are not always preventable. When possible, however, you should avoid getting your finger stuck in objects such as athletic jerseys, basketball nets, and football helmets.

Wear protective gloves when possible.

Remove rings or other jewelry before participating in athletic events and when working with your hands, particularly around machinery.

Most simple finger dislocations can be put back into place easily. Full function in the injured finger will usually return. Mild or moderate discomfort or disability can continue for 12-18 months. You may expect some permanent swelling or disfigurement of the injured joint. There is an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint later.

Occasionally, a fragment of the dislocated joint or some surrounding tissue can become lodged between the displaced bones. This prevents the bones from going into place. Surgery may be necessary to put the bones into the correct position. Results of this surgery are usually very good, but some function may be lost.

Tendon injuries also may occur with finger dislocations, such as mallet finger, jersey finger, central slip injury, and volar plate injury. If undiagnosed, these injuries can cause permanent loss of function and/or deformities.

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Dislocated Fingers

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Causes of a Dislocated Finger
• Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger
• When to Seek Medical Care for a Dislocated Finger
• Exams and Tests for a Dislocated Finger
• Finger Dislocation Treatment
• Medical Treatment for a Dislocated Finger
• Follow-up Care for a Dislocated Finger
• How to Prevent a Finger Dislocation
• Outlook for a Dislocated Finger

Finger dislocation is a common injury. It occurs when the bones of the finger are moved (dislocated) from their normal position. A dislocated finger can occur in any of the joints of any finger, but it occurs most often in the middle knuckle of the little, ring, middle, or index finger.

A dislocated finger is caused by a “jamming” force to be applied to the end of the finger, or the finger may be forcefully overextended. Either of these situations or a combination of both, can result in a dislocation. For example:

• During sports activities, a basketball or baseball may strike the tip of an outstretched finger.
• Your finger might get caught in equipment such as a game jersey or pads.
• You might fall onto your outstretched hand.

A dislocated finger is usually obvious. The finger appears crooked, swollen and is very painful. It may be bent upward or at strange angles. You probably won’t be able to bend or straighten the finger if it is dislocated. Also:

• Numbness or tingling with a severe dislocation.
• The injured finger may appear a pale color.
• The dislocation may cause a break in the skin where the injury has occurred. If this occurs, you should get medical attention right away.

When you have a dislocated finger, you should see a doctor at once. Delaying a visit to your doctor for a finger dislocation can make final treatment more difficult and can lead to delayed healing or permanent disability.

Seek medical attention immediately if there is any loss of sensation (numbness), if there are any open areas of skin, or if the finger is cold, pale, or bluish in color.

The doctor will first examine the finger you have injured. They will X-ray the finger to confirm the dislocation and look for any broken bones.

It is not recommended that you treat a finger dislocation at home. A visit to your doctor or the emergency department is usually necessary.

• If you have a dislocated finger, the finger will swell. To prevent further injury to the finger, immediately remove any jewelry, such as rings.
  Apply an ice pack to your injured finger and elevate the hand above the level of your heart.

The doctor may realign the dislocated bones of your finger with a simple technique. This will often require a local anesthetic injection into the finger to help decrease or stop the pain and allow the doctor to reduce the dislocation and realign the bones. You may also receive medications by mouth, injection, or IV to help the pain and ease the reduction.

• Your injured finger will then be placed in a protective splint or be “buddy taped” to the healthy finger next to it.
  The doctor may get a second x-ray to confirm the realignment of your finger and to check for any broken bones that may not have shown up on the first X-ray.

Apply an ice pack to your dislocated finger for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days or until the pain and swelling have subsided. This should lessen the pain and swelling that results from the finger dislocation.

• Elevate your injured finger on several pillows while lying down or on the back of a couch or chair while sitting. This will help reduce swelling and the pain that results.
• The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help control the pain of your injury. Take only as directed by your doctor.
• The doctor may refer you to a bone specialist in the week or so following your injury. The specialist will be able to monitor the healing process of your finger.
• Your finger will be splinted for 3-6 weeks if the healing process goes well.
• The doctor may give you exercises to perform during the healing process, which will help strengthen your finger and reduce the chance of decreased function of your finger.

Finger dislocations are usually the result of an accident and accidents are not always preventable. When possible, however, you should avoid getting your finger stuck in objects such as athletic jerseys, basketball nets, and football helmets.

Wear protective gloves when possible.

Remove rings or other jewelry before participating in athletic events and when working with your hands, particularly around machinery.

Most simple finger dislocations can be put back into place easily. Full function in the injured finger will usually return. Mild or moderate discomfort or disability can continue for 12-18 months. You may expect some permanent swelling or disfigurement of the injured joint. There is an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint later.

Occasionally, a fragment of the dislocated joint or some surrounding tissue can become lodged between the displaced bones. This prevents the bones from going into place. Surgery may be necessary to put the bones into the correct position. Results of this surgery are usually very good, but some function may be lost.

Tendon injuries also may occur with finger dislocations, such as mallet finger, jersey finger, central slip injury, and volar plate injury. If undiagnosed, these injuries can cause permanent loss of function and/or deformities.

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Injuries / tears / avulsions of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers – Injuries of the hands – Treatment and recovery

For the proper functioning of the hand, the coordinated work of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers is necessary. There are no muscles in the fingers, so their flexion and extension is realized due to the tendons of the muscles that are located on the forearm. The flexor tendons are located on the palmar surface of the hand, the extensor tendons are located on the back side directly under the skin. Each finger has two flexor tendons, superficial and deep. The deep flexor attaches to the nail phalanges and is responsible for bending them, while the superficial flexor attaches to the middle phalanges. Injuries to the flexors and extensors of the fingers are quite common due to the predominantly superficial location of the tendons. When the flexors of the fingers are injured, the end of the tendon located proximally is pulled, because of this it is very difficult to find the ends of the tendon when it breaks. When the extensor is injured, the tendon practically does not move, therefore, it is easier to treat.

Types of injuries

• Tears and avulsions of tendons
  Injuries to the flexors and extensors of the fingers of the hand are accompanied by a violation of their integrity with direct or indirect impact. In case of damage, a rupture and complete detachment of the tendon from its place of attachment to the bone fragment is possible.

  Injury Qualification:

  • Open and closed – depending on the violation of the integrity of the skin
  • Partial and complete – depending on the degree of damage
  • Fresh, stale and old – depending on the statute of limitations of the injury
  • Combined, isolated, and multiple – depending on the number of lesions
• Inflammatory processes
  • Tenosynovitis of the hand is an acute or chronic inflammation that occurs in the synovial membranes of the fibrous sheaths of the tendons of the muscles of the hand and fingers. Tendovaginitis is accompanied by a crunch during movements, a slight swelling along the affected tendon sheath
  • Tenosynovitis (or de Quervain’s disease) is a disease in which inflammation of the tendons of the thumb occurs. The pain associated with this ailment arises from the friction of the swollen tendons against the walls of the tunnel intended for their movement, at the base of the thumb and under it, as well as along the edge of the wrist joint. It is manifested by aching pain in the wrist area.
  • Knott’s disease (trigger finger, spring finger) is a disease of the flexor tendons of the fingers and their surrounding ligaments, the characteristic feature of which is a clicking that occurs when the fingers move. As the disease progresses, finger extension becomes almost impossible.

Symptoms

With ruptures or separations, the following symptoms are observed:

• In case of damage to the tendons on the palmar surface of the hand or fingers, there is a violation of the function of flexion, due to which the fingers are in an overextended state
• Injuries to the dorsum of the hand impair the extension function of one or more fingers
• Numbness of fingers and other sensory disorders (with nerve damage)
• Finger deformity
• Edema
• Hemorrhage
• Tendon injury
• Visible soft tissue injury (open injury)

Which doctor to contact

• Orthopedic traumatologist
• Surgeon

Diagnostics

• Detailed examination by a traumatologist of the injury site, diagnostic tests (flexion-extension of the fingers in one sequence or another)
• X-ray of fingers
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound)
• Magnetic resonance imaging

Treatment

With damage to the extensor, two treatment options are possible: conservative and surgical. Damage at the level of the fingers can be cured without surgery, but subject to prolonged wearing of a cast or plastic splint. In all other cases, as well as with injuries of the flexor tendons, surgical treatment is indicated. The operation is a complex surgical intervention, often using microsurgical techniques. It consists in dissecting the skin and suturing the ends of the torn tendon under local or conduction anesthesia. In the postoperative period, the arm is necessarily fixed with a plaster cast.

When the ends of the tendons are crushed or torn, they are excised. In order to avoid postoperative flexion contracture, operations are performed to lengthen the tendon in the tendon-muscular part or its Z-shaped lengthening proximal to the area of ​​damage.

In some cases, with chronic injuries of the flexor tendons of the fingers (the presence of tendon defects 2 or more centimeters long), the patient is shown tendon plasty, or plasty with preliminary formation of the tendon canal using temporary tendon arthroplasty with a silicone endoprosthesis. Most often, plastic surgery is performed in conjunction with other surgical interventions (tendon revision, tenolysis, etc.).

After any method of treatment of injuries of the extensor and flexor fingers of the hand, rehabilitation is necessary. For 3-5 weeks, the tendons grow together quite firmly, after which you can remove the plaster cast and, under the supervision of a doctor, begin recovery procedures.

Restoration of all necessary functions of the fingers includes: physiotherapy exercises for the development of the hand, physiotherapy, massage, salt baths and other procedures prescribed by a doctor.

In Moscow, you can make an appointment with qualified specialists at the NCC Clinic No. 2 (Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Waiting for you.

Treatment of damage to the tendons of the fingers in Kyiv – consultation price from 1000 UAH

Injuries are classified as single and multiple. They occur with cuts, bruises, open and closed fractures of bones, and other mechanical influences. Specialists observe frequent injury to the extensor and flexion systems.

Prices of the Department of Operative Orthopedics and Traumatology

Our fingers and hands experience different stresses every day. Some of which lead to serious injuries not only to soft tissues, but also to tendons. Such pathologies significantly impair performance. Tendon injuries have their own specifics. They are unable to recover on their own. Surgery is required. Damage is classified as single and multiple. They occur with cuts, bruises, open and closed fractures of bones, and other mechanical influences. Specialists observe frequent injury to the extensor and flexion systems.

Orthopedic and traumatologists

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Causes and treatment

Injuries to the flexor tendons of the fingers are much more common than other types of injuries. The main causes are cuts and deep wounds with sharp objects. The injury often has a deep character, which is a consequence of the loss of flexion functions. It is possible to restore work with a timely operation and long-term rehabilitation.

Injury to the extensor tendons of the fingers is less dangerous, but also results in poor hand and finger function. When receiving such an injury, it is very important to provide the correct first aid. It consists in applying a tourniquet, a sterile bandage and ice. All these actions are necessary to slow down bleeding. After that, the hand must be shown to the doctor to assess the complexity of the disease. Treatment is prescribed depending on the level of the depth of damage.

Damage to the tendons of the fingers requires immediate surgery. Quite often there is a need for microsurgical techniques. In case of serious injuries, doctors apply primary and secondary sutures.

Injury to the tendons of the fingers is a serious problem in which the sooner treatment is started, the sooner the basic functions of the hand are restored.