How to Fix a Dislocated Finger | University of Utah Health

If you injure your finger while playing sports, rock climbing, or gardening, you may be unsure if you’ve sustained serious damage, such as a fracture, sprain, or dislocation. Or maybe you simply overused your hands and need to take a break.

How do I know if I’ve dislocated a finger?

A dislocated finger is usually obvious, says Stephanie Sueoka, DPT, MPT, a hand therapist at University Orthopaedic Center at University of Utah Health. “The finger bones may be bent at strange angles, swollen, and very painful,” she says. “You probably won’t be able to bend or straighten your finger if it is dislocated.”

While dislocated fingers frequently occur with sports-related accidents, this can happen with any injury that causes a “jamming” force to the end of the finger, or by hyperextending the finger beyond its normal range. Either of these situations, or a combination of both, can result in a dislocation. For example, a basketball may strike the tip of an outstretched finger, a finger may get caught in a piece of equipment, or someone may break a fall onto their outstretched hand.

How do I know if I’ve broken a finger?

“While anybody unfamiliar with dislocations might assume they have a broken bone, fractures and dislocations are very different,” says Lana Hutchinson, OT, a hand therapist at University Orthopaedic Center.

A break (or fracture) in a finger bone results in a crack, which must be set to heal. By contrast, a dislocation is not a break in the bone but a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint. Both fractures and dislocations can be quite painful. A hand specialist will evaluate your symptoms and probably take an X-ray to determine which type of injury you have.

What steps should I take to fix a dislocated finger?

A dislocated finger will swell, so it’s essential to immediately remove any jewelry, especially rings. Don’t delay treatment. If you believe you’ve dislocated a finger, take these steps:

• Seek immediate medical help.
• Ice the joint. This will help reduce swelling and control internal bleeding.
• Don’t try to force your finger back into place. This may damage the joint and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves or blood vessels.

Both Sueoka and Hutchinson recommend seeing a hand doctor or other hand specialist for a dislocated finger. “If you go to the ER, you will likely be splinted and will end up with a stiff finger,” Sueoka says. “The worst treatment option is to be positioned in full extension for four to six weeks.”

A hand, orthopedic, or plastics specialist will provide appropriate care promptly. They will refer you to a hand therapist who can provide a range of motion to reduce fluid build-up and maximize your functional outcome.

How long will it take for my dislocated finger to fully heal?

Dislocated finger recovery time varies. You can usually return to normal activities, including sports, within a few weeks following injury. But it can take up to three months for a dislocated pinky, thumb, pointer finger, or ring finger to feel normal—and up to six months for the finger to fully heal.

While most dislocated fingers will return to full function, you may still experience mild discomfort for up to a year after the injury. In rare cases, there might be some ongoing swelling of the injured joint.

By following the advice of hand therapists Sueoka and Hutchinson, you’ll soon be able to resume your favorite activities—maybe with a little more care and caution to avoid another painful finger injury.

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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Treatment of dislocations of the fingers from the joints on the hand in the Constanta Clinic in Yaroslavl

Dislocation of the finger on the hand is a condition that is characterized by the displacement of the phalanges of the fingers and the loss of congruence between them. At the same time, the asymmetry of the articular structures is clearly visible. Dislocations of the joints of the fingers are more common on the hands than on the legs. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the phalanges of the fingers of the upper extremities.

During an injury, damage to the ligaments that hold the bones and muscles occurs, the articular bag is also injured and the joint changes its shape. In the practice of modern traumatologists, dislocation of the thumb joint is more common. His bones are more prone to displacement and damage.

The little finger has weak muscles and ligaments, which explains its frequent injury during accidental falls and fights. Simultaneous dislocation of several fingers at once is not excluded, which greatly complicates immobilization and further treatment. In patients with weak ligaments or age-related changes, it is possible to dislocate a finger even with a firm handshake.

Dislocations of the fingers are an indication for seeking help from a traumatologist. Make an appointment with a specialist as early as possible, since the main way to treat a dislocation is to reduce the articular structures that are displaced relative to each other. Only a qualified doctor can carry out such a procedure, always in a medical institution.

At the KONSTANTA Clinic in Yaroslavl, you can make an appointment with a traumatologist at any time. The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe an X-ray examination and provide all necessary medical care. As a rule, the treatment of dislocation of the finger is carried out on an outpatient basis, but in compliance with all medical recommendations and prescriptions.

Causes of finger dislocation

The main reason for getting a dislocation of the finger is a force effect, which in its strength exceeds the ability of the ligaments to stretch. Such injuries are often obtained as a result of sharp flexion or extension of the fingers. Injury can occur when falling on an outstretched hand, during a blow to something hard.

Injuries to the fingers are not uncommon among professional athletes who get sprained during active training. The joint of the little finger is considered the weakest, which is often damaged even from light blows and falls. Some patients are predisposed to developing finger dislocations. At risk are elderly people suffering from joint pathologies, as well as patients with a history of repeated limb injuries.

If there are obvious signs of dislocation of the finger, you should immediately visit a traumatologist. Only a doctor can assess the degree of damage to the phalanx and reposition the joint in a timely manner. In our Clinic, patients can undergo a qualitative examination and, based on its results, receive an individual treatment regimen.

Symptoms of finger dislocation

Dislocation of the finger on the hand has characteristic signs:

• sharp pain;
• increase in edema;
• change in the shape of the joint;
• restriction of movements in the affected finger;
• hyperemia of the skin in the area of ​​the injured joint.

After receiving a dislocation, the patient cannot move his finger, since any movement causes severe pain and swelling. The injured area acquires a red tint, while the skin of other parts of the hand may turn pale due to impaired blood flow. Palpation of the hand is sharply painful. The skin of the finger is hot to the touch, it quickly turns purple.

Dislocation of the thumb joint can be complete or incomplete, as well as dorsal and palmar. During the injury, severe pain occurs, the finger becomes swollen, deformed in the metacarpophalangeal joint. If a dorsal dislocation occurs, the finger shortens, flexes at the metacarpophalangeal joint, and unbends at the interphalangeal joint. In the event of a palmar dislocation, the finger is displaced towards the palm.

As with a dislocation of the thumb, and with a dislocation of other fingers, the patient needs the help of a traumatologist. At home, it is impossible to carry out treatment corresponding to the severity of the damage. The only thing you can do to make yourself feel better is to apply dry ice, which will help reduce the swelling and dull the pain. All other treatment activities should be carried out by qualified specialists. The first minutes after dislocation, edema begins to increase. Therefore, if possible, try to remove all jewelry from the fingers of the damaged hand. Do not delay in contacting a traumatologist: if the patient is not given first aid, the reduction of the joint will be difficult and may require surgical intervention.

Treatment of finger dislocation

Tactics of treatment of dislocation of the finger on the hand is determined individually. To select effective methods of therapy, the specialist uses the data of the examination, anamnesis and examination. If the patient seeks help in time, the risk of complications after dislocation is minimal. The doctor provides the necessary assistance and sends the patient home.

The main task of the traumatologist in the treatment of dislocation of the finger is to reduce the joint and fix it in an anatomically correct position. This will lead to the rapid restoration of damaged tissues and the return of the finger to its previous shape. Preservation of complete immobility of the damaged joint is ensured by effective immobilization with the help of a plaster cast or a special orthosis.

Dislocation of the fingers is accompanied by severe pain. Immediately after the patient’s treatment, specialists use high-quality anesthesia, which ensures the loss of sensitivity and the restoration of the patient’s normal state of health. After anesthesia, diagnostic measures are carried out, the purpose of which is to assess the nature of the injury and identify hidden damage, as well as to make professional predictions for the future.

The reduction of the finger takes place under local anesthesia. The patient does not feel pain and is conscious. After the joint is repositioned, a control x-ray examination is performed to assess the quality of the work done. In case of serious damage to the ligamentous apparatus or the inability to carry out a closed reduction, surgical treatment is required. The sooner you seek help from a traumatologist, the higher the likelihood that the doctor will successfully carry out the necessary manipulations without resorting to surgical intervention.

As soon as the pain subsides and the swelling decreases, physiotherapy is recommended. Physiotherapy treatment can reduce the risk of delayed complications and return to normal physical activity faster. Chronic dislocations require longer treatment using special devices and long-term rehabilitation.

Why is it so important to treat dislocations immediately?

Many patients do not understand why it is necessary to treat a dislocated finger by a traumatologist immediately after the injury? If the joint is not corrected in time, it will remain deformed. As a result of this, the functional ability of the finger will be impaired and you will not be able to produce the range of movements that you are used to.

Chronic dislocations that occurred more than 2-4 weeks ago are not subject to classical treatment. The head of the joint is displaced relative to the articular cavity and clamps the soft tissues. Therefore, such a displaced joint can be set only in the process of surgical intervention.

If a dislocation of the finger occurs against the background of a fall or impact, then soft tissues are often damaged and, without qualified treatment, the risk of infection of the wound increases sharply. With properly selected therapeutic measures, the patient quickly recovers: pain disappears, swelling decreases, and the mode of physical activity gradually expands. The restoration of the lost functions of the hand continues for several months. At this time, specialists prescribe local painkillers that suppress pain, remove signs of inflammation and swelling from damaged tissues.

Rehabilitation after a dislocated finger

A patient with a dislocated finger needs maximum rest. Do not overcool or overheat the injured limb. Any irritants can provoke swelling and increased inflammatory response.

Rehabilitation measures are an important part of the treatment of a dislocated finger. In order to quickly recover from an injury, it is necessary to strictly follow all medical recommendations and appointments, regularly come for preventive examinations and conduct diagnostics. Even a minor injury can impair the function of the finger and reduce the physical capabilities of the entire limb. Therefore, keep calm at least the first weeks after the dislocation. If physical activity during the recovery period cannot be avoided, it is recommended to use elastic bandages. Always carry out sports training and exercise therapy after a good warm-up.

Active rehabilitation begins after the removal of the plaster cast. It includes specific exercises necessary to develop the joint, muscles and ligaments of the hand. It is recommended that you exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist. You can spend the first classes in the Clinic, and then, if you master the principle of exercise therapy, you are allowed to do exercises at home. During physiotherapy exercises, slight pulling pains in the area of ​​the damaged joint may occur. If the sensations are tolerable, continue to practice.

To reduce pain, you can use special anesthetic drugs in the form of an ointment, gel or cream. In case of increased pain during physiotherapy exercises, it is recommended to immediately stop doing the exercises and seek help from a traumatologist.

The first weeks after removal of the cast, avoid increased stress on the limb. You should not practice active sports, lift weights, engage in any activity that is accompanied by a high risk of recurrence of injuries. Joint dislocations often occur in professional athletes who cannot afford a long absence from the sport. If you return to training too early, weak ligaments may not withstand even moderate stress.

Within the walls of the Constanta Clinic, you can be calm about your well-being. Qualified, patient-focused professionals are always ready to help and answer any questions. The best traumatologists receive and treat dislocations of the fingers in Yaroslavl. We use all the modern possibilities of science and technology to provide our patients with quality medical care. Learn more about helping with finger sprains.

To ask questions or sign up for a consultation with a specialist, please call:
(4852) 37-00-85
Daily from 8:00 to 20:00

Injuries / tears / avulsions of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers – Hand injuries – 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
• Finger numbness and other sensory disturbances (with nerve damage)
• Finger deformity
• Edema
• Hemorrhage
• Tendon injury
• Visible soft tissue injury (open injury)

Which doctor to contact

• Traumatologist-orthopedist
• 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.