What are the common causes of a torn ligament in the middle finger. How can you identify the symptoms of a finger ligament injury. What treatment options are available for a torn ligament in the middle finger. How long does recovery typically take for a finger ligament injury. What are the potential long-term effects of an untreated torn ligament in the middle finger.

Understanding Finger Ligament Injuries: An Overview

Ligament injuries in the fingers are common occurrences, especially among athletes and individuals engaged in manual labor. These injuries can range from minor sprains to complete tears, affecting the functionality and mobility of the affected finger. Understanding the anatomy of the finger and the role of ligaments is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The fingers consist of three joints: the distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Each of these joints is supported by collateral ligaments, which provide stability and guide movement. When these ligaments are overstretched or torn, it can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced finger function.

Anatomy of Finger Ligaments

Collateral ligaments in the fingers are strong, leather-like bands of tissue that connect the bones within each joint. They play a crucial role in maintaining joint stability throughout various finger movements. The middle finger, like other fingers, has six main collateral ligaments:

• Two at the DIP joint
• Two at the PIP joint
• Two at the MCP joint

These ligaments work together to prevent excessive lateral movement and provide support during gripping and other finger activities.

Causes and Mechanisms of Finger Ligament Injuries

Ligament injuries in the fingers, including the middle finger, typically occur when the ligaments are overstretched beyond their normal range of motion. This can happen due to various reasons:

Sports-Related Injuries

Many finger ligament injuries occur during sports activities. Common scenarios include:

• A ball striking the finger with force
• The finger getting caught in an opponent’s clothing
• Sudden impact with the ground or other hard surfaces
• Hyperextension of the finger during tackles or falls

Accidental Trauma

Everyday accidents can also lead to ligament injuries in the middle finger:

• Falls where the hand is used to break the impact
• Crushing injuries, such as a finger caught in a door
• Twisting injuries during manual tasks

Are certain professions at higher risk for finger ligament injuries? Yes, individuals in occupations that involve repetitive hand movements or exposure to potential hand trauma are at increased risk. These may include construction workers, machine operators, and healthcare professionals.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Middle Finger

Identifying the symptoms of a ligament injury in the middle finger is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and preventing further damage. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury, ranging from mild sprains to complete tears.

Immediate Symptoms

When a ligament in the middle finger is injured, you may experience the following symptoms immediately:

• Sharp pain at the site of injury
• Swelling around the affected joint
• Difficulty moving the finger
• A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury

Developing Symptoms

As time progresses, additional symptoms may develop:

• Bruising around the injured area
• Stiffness in the finger
• Weakness when attempting to grip objects
• Visible deformity in severe cases
• Instability of the affected joint

Can the severity of symptoms indicate the extent of the ligament injury? While severe pain and significant swelling may suggest a more serious injury, it’s important to note that the intensity of symptoms doesn’t always correlate directly with the severity of the ligament damage. A proper medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Procedures for Middle Finger Ligament Injuries

Accurate diagnosis of a ligament injury in the middle finger is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Healthcare professionals employ various diagnostic techniques to assess the extent of the injury and rule out other potential conditions.

Physical Examination

The initial step in diagnosing a finger ligament injury involves a thorough physical examination. During this process, the healthcare provider will:

• Visually inspect the finger for swelling, bruising, or deformity
• Gently palpate the affected area to identify points of tenderness
• Assess the range of motion of the finger joints
• Perform stability tests to check for joint laxity

Imaging Studies

To confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the injury, imaging studies may be ordered:

1. X-rays: These can help rule out fractures and detect any bone chips that may have been pulled off by the injured ligament.
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, helping to identify tears and assess their severity.
3. Ultrasound: This non-invasive technique can be used to visualize ligaments and detect tears in real-time.

Is it always necessary to undergo imaging studies for a suspected ligament injury? Not always. In many cases, a skilled healthcare provider can diagnose a ligament injury through physical examination alone. However, imaging studies are often recommended to rule out other injuries and to guide treatment decisions, especially in cases where surgery may be considered.

Treatment Options for Torn Ligaments in the Middle Finger

The treatment approach for a torn ligament in the middle finger depends on the severity of the injury and the specific ligament affected. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, with the goal of promoting healing, restoring function, and preventing long-term complications.

Conservative Treatment

For mild to moderate ligament injuries, conservative treatment is often the first line of approach. This may include:

• RICE Protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• Immobilization using splints or buddy taping
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Physical therapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength

Physiotherapy Interventions

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of finger ligament injuries. A physiotherapist may employ various techniques:

• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
• Electrotherapy modalities to reduce pain and swelling
• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Proprioceptive training to improve finger coordination
• Wax therapy for pain relief and improved circulation

Surgical Treatment

In cases of severe ligament tears or when conservative treatment fails to provide adequate improvement, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options may include:

• Ligament repair: Directly reattaching the torn ligament
• Ligament reconstruction: Using a graft to replace the damaged ligament
• Joint fusion: In cases of chronic instability or arthritis resulting from the injury

How long does recovery typically take after treatment for a torn ligament in the middle finger? Recovery time can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. For minor sprains treated conservatively, recovery may take 2-4 weeks. More severe injuries requiring surgery may take several months for full recovery, with ongoing rehabilitation to restore optimal function.

Preventing Ligament Injuries in the Middle Finger

While not all ligament injuries can be prevented, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of sustaining such injuries, particularly in high-risk activities or occupations.

Proper Technique and Training

For athletes and individuals engaged in activities that pose a risk to finger ligaments, proper technique and training are essential:

• Learn and practice correct hand positioning for your sport or activity
• Develop finger and hand strength through targeted exercises
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of activities to build resilience

Protective Equipment

Using appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of finger injuries:

• Wear gloves that provide adequate finger protection for your specific activity
• Consider using finger taping techniques to provide additional support
• Use padded gloves or grip aids in activities requiring repetitive hand movements

Environmental Awareness

Being mindful of your surroundings and potential hazards can help prevent accidental injuries:

• Be cautious when handling heavy objects or operating machinery
• Avoid placing hands in areas where they could be crushed or caught
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace to reduce the risk of accidents

Can regular hand exercises help prevent ligament injuries in the fingers? Yes, incorporating hand and finger strengthening exercises into your routine can improve the overall stability and resilience of your finger joints. This can include exercises such as finger extensions, grip strengthening, and dexterity drills. However, it’s important to perform these exercises correctly and not overdo them, as excessive strain can potentially lead to injury.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications

Understanding the long-term prognosis and potential complications associated with ligament injuries in the middle finger is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike. While many individuals recover fully with proper treatment, some may experience lingering effects or develop complications.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery process for a ligament injury in the middle finger can vary depending on several factors:

• Severity of the initial injury
• Timeliness and appropriateness of treatment
• Individual healing capacity
• Adherence to rehabilitation protocols

Most individuals with minor to moderate ligament injuries can expect a full recovery within a few weeks to a few months, provided they follow the prescribed treatment plan and rehabilitation exercises.

Potential Complications

In some cases, ligament injuries in the middle finger may lead to complications or long-term effects:

• Chronic pain or stiffness in the affected joint
• Reduced range of motion or flexibility
• Ongoing instability in the joint
• Development of post-traumatic arthritis
• Deformity or misalignment of the finger

Factors Influencing Long-Term Outcomes

Several factors can influence the long-term outlook for individuals with ligament injuries in the middle finger:

1. Age: Younger individuals often have better healing potential and may recover more quickly.
2. Overall health: Conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders can impact healing.
3. Occupation: Jobs requiring repetitive hand movements may increase the risk of re-injury or prolonged symptoms.
4. Compliance with treatment: Following medical advice and completing rehabilitation exercises is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Are there any preventive measures to reduce the risk of long-term complications? Yes, several strategies can help minimize the risk of long-term issues:

• Seeking prompt medical attention for suspected ligament injuries
• Following through with prescribed rehabilitation programs
• Gradually returning to activities and avoiding premature overuse
• Maintaining overall hand and finger strength and flexibility
• Using protective measures when returning to high-risk activities

By understanding the potential long-term effects and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can optimize their recovery and reduce the likelihood of lasting complications from ligament injuries in the middle finger.

Innovative Treatments and Future Directions

As medical science advances, new and innovative treatments for ligament injuries in the fingers are emerging. These cutting-edge approaches aim to improve healing times, reduce complications, and enhance overall outcomes for patients with middle finger ligament injuries.

Regenerative Medicine Approaches

Regenerative medicine techniques are showing promise in the treatment of ligament injuries:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Using stem cells to promote tissue regeneration and repair.
• Growth Factor Injections: Administering specific growth factors to enhance the healing process.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Surgical interventions for ligament injuries are becoming less invasive and more precise:

• Arthroscopic Ligament Repair: Minimally invasive procedures using small incisions and specialized instruments.
• 3D-Printed Implants: Custom-designed implants to replace or support damaged ligaments.
• Bioengineered Ligament Grafts: Using laboratory-grown tissue for ligament reconstruction.

Emerging Technologies

New technologies are being developed to aid in both diagnosis and treatment:

• Advanced Imaging Techniques: High-resolution MRI and ultrasound for more accurate diagnosis.
• Wearable Sensors: Devices to monitor finger movement and provide feedback during rehabilitation.
• Virtual Reality Rehabilitation: Using VR technology to engage patients in therapeutic exercises.

How might these innovative treatments impact the future of ligament injury management? These advancements have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes, reduce recovery times, and minimize long-term complications. As research progresses, we may see more personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual patients’ needs and injury characteristics.

While many of these innovative treatments are still in the experimental or early adoption stages, they represent exciting possibilities for the future of ligament injury management in the middle finger and other digits. As with any new medical approach, careful study and clinical trials will be necessary to establish their safety and efficacy before widespread adoption.

Ligament Injuries In The Fingers – Hand – Conditions – Musculoskeletal – What We Treat

What is a ligament injury in the fingers?

A ligament injury in a finger is when one or more of the ligaments supporting a finger joint is overstretched and damaged. Physiotherapy is important following a ligament injury in the finger.

How does a ligament injury in the fingers happen?

Ligaments are injured when they are overstretched. This can occur if a finger is bent back with force. This is common in the sports and may be caused by a ball hitting the finger or if a finger gets caught on a fellow competitor’s clothing, a net or the ground.

Above: Soft tissue massage and mobilisations of the finger tendons and joints

What are the symptoms of a ligament injury in the fingers?

When a ligament supporting a finger joint is injured pain is felt in the finger. It is often made more painful if the joint is moved or if the finger is touched where the ligament is injured. Shortly after the injury the finger will become swollen and then bruised. Other symptoms may include:

• reduced range of movement
• stiffness
• weakness
• deformity
• biomechanical problems

What should I do if I have a ligament injury in my finger?

If you have or suspect you have a ligament injury in your finger, you should begin the RICE regime (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Rest involves not using your finger. Ice should be applied to the injured site for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours using a bag of frozen peas in a moist cloth or towel or by submerging the finger in a cup of ice with a little bit of water.
Compression can be applied with a firm elastic bandage around the finger. Elevation involves lying or sitting with the injured site resting comfortably on a chair or pillows so that it is above the level of the heart. You should continue the RICE regime until your initial assessment with your physiotherapist. This should be arranged for as soon as possible following the injury (within the first couple of days).

Physiotherapy treatment for a ligament injury in the fingers.

Physiotherapy is very important in the treatment of an injured ligament within a finger. Initially, your physiotherapist will assess which tissues have been damaged and the extent of this damage. Referral for an X-ray may be required to determine whether any of the bones are damaged. From the assessment, your physiotherapist can devise a treatment plan specific to you.

Treatment may involve wearing a splint, electrotherapy to decrease pain, swelling and promote healing. Your physiotherapist will also provide you with a graduated programme of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve joint movement and strength. When you do return to normal activity or participation in sports your physiotherapist will advise you on protective measures such as taping techniques, splints and supports to protect the injured ligament/s.

Other treatment includes:

• Wax therapy
• Massage
• Soft Tissue Treatment
• Proprioceptive Exercise

What shouldn’t I do if I have a ligament injury in my finger?

If you have or suspect you have a ligament injury in your finger, you should not perform activities which increase blood flow to the injured area. These activities include hot showers, heat rubs, massage and the consumption of alcohol. These may increase swelling around the injured ligament and potentially prolong your recovery.

Can there be any long-term effects from a ligament injury in the fingers?

Most ligament injuries within a finger heal without complication in a matter of weeks. However, a proportion of injuries can result in longer-term effects, depending on the severity of the injury and extent of damage. When a ligament supporting a finger joint is injured, a piece of the bone it attaches can sometimes be chipped-off. This may prolong your recovery. Recovery may also be prolonged if the ligament is completely torn as surgery may be required to repair the ligament.

To arrange a physiotherapy assessment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online.

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Finger Collateral Ligament Injury | Steven Lee, MD

Description:

In each of the fingers (index, middle, ring and pinky) there are three joints called the distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The thumb has two joints, the interphalangeal (IP) and MCP joint. ​ Collateral ligaments are like leather bands of strong tissue connecting the bones in each of those joints that help to stabilize the joint throughout movement. 

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Injury to the collateral ligament occurs when there is a force in a direction different from the normal motion of the joint that is large enough to tear the ligament.  This is most commonly caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand, a finger getting caught on something, or a dog leash wrapped around a finger that gets pulled.    Patients often self-diagnose themselves with a “jammed finger.” Extreme trauma can actually cause the joint to dislocate.  

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Symptoms:

Patients with collateral ligament injuries of the finger may experience pain and tenderness on the side of the finger joint.  A feeling of  instability may be present when opening and closing the fingers and pinching objects.  In addition, patients may notice swelling or bruising at the affected area.

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Testing:

Initial evaluation of the injury starts with a physical exam of the fingers in order to assess for ligament instability or laxity. Provocative testing of the ligament will be performed by applying stress to the ligament at the involved joint(s) of the affected finger and comparing it to the unaffected finger.  An assessment is made to determine whether the ligament is sprained (stretched or partially torn) or if it’s completely torn.  This is based on the degree of gapping or instability. 

An x-ray will typically be ordered to rule out a fracture.   

Treatment Options:

​When determining treatment for this type of injury, a variety of important factors are considered. These include the classification of the injury, the degree of the tear, the specific joint and finger of the injured ligament, and the presence of a fracture.

Most collateral ligament injuries may be treated with nonsurgical management.  Patients who have relatively stable joints are typically treated with consistent buddy taping of the finger to provide support and stabilization while maintaining joint mobility.  Buddy taping involves taping or strapping the injured finger above and below the affected ligament to an adjacent finger, thereby providing a “buddy system.”  Unstable joints may be treated with splinting followed by buddy taping. 

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Hand/physical therapy is often gradually initiated in order to allow the ligament to properly heal.  Hand/physical therapy is vitals towards reducing stiffness and regaining mobility and strength.   Unfortunately, collateral ligament injuries tend to take an extended period of time to heal, usually no less than 6 weeks, and often up to several months.  

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Surgical Treatment:

Surgery may be recommended depending on the location of the ligament tear,  the presence of a displaced avulsion fracture, or if nonsurgical management is unsuccessful. Surgery is often indicated for complete tears to the collateral ligament of the index finger given the ligament plays an important role in finger pinch. Repair of the ligament involves making a small incision over the affected ligament and using suture and anchors to secure the ligament into a proper position.  If there is a displaced avulsion fracture, surgery may be considered to realign the avulsed fragment of bone and fix it back into proper position with a small screw. 

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Dr. Steven Lee has revolutionized the treatment of ligament tears and collateral ligament tears specifically with his pioneering of Internal Bracing of the Hand.   Internal bracing utilizes an innovative strong suture tape construct with new bone anchors in order to increase the strength of the repair or reconstruction, thereby significantly quickening the rehabilitation process, and allow earlier return to sports and daily function.  Please feel free to ask Dr. Lee about his specific expertise with this method.  Learn more about Internal Bracing here.

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As in the non-operative treatment of these injuries, the recovery period after surgery can be unusually prolonged, and can take at least 3 months to heal.  Swelling may be present for much longer, and to a certain extent, may always be there whether surgery was performed or not.

Learn more about scheduling surgery.

Recovery Expectations:

After surgery, patients will usually be placed into a finger splint on the affected finger, with an adjacent finger included, for additional support. Patients usually follow up in office 7-10 days after surgery for a wound check and if there are stitches, to check if they are ready for removal.

Depending on the extent of surgery performed, patients will continue to be splinted for up to 3 – 6 weeks. After this period of immobilization, to allow for healing, patients are usually transitioned to buddy taping and initiated on a course of gradual hand/occupational therapy to restore mobility to the fingers.

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Immediate Post-Operative Instructions

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Please refer to the following pages for more information:

• What should I expect after surgery? 

• What foods or supplements should I have after surgery?

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*It is important to note that all of the information above is not specific to anyone and is subject to change based on many different factors including but not limited to individual patient, diagnosis, and treatment specific variables.  It is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific orthopedic advice or assistance should consult Dr. Steven Lee or an orthopedic specialist of your choice.

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*Dr. Steven Lee is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and is double fellowship trained in the areas of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, and Sports Medicine. He has offices in New York City and Scarsdale.

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.

Finger tendon rupture: operation in Moscow

This is a closed injury to the extensor apparatus of the finger, most often at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Most common tendon injury. The injury occurs as a result of a sharp unexpected flexion (impact) on the nail phalanx of the finger, in the distal interphalangeal joint. As a result, overstretching and rupture of the thin extensor tendon of the finger occurs. In some cases, there is a detachment of the bone fragment, to which the extensor tendon is attached. As a result, extension of the nail phalanx of the finger is impossible. The so-called “finger-hammer” is formed. In some cases, due to tendon degeneration, tendon rupture occurs with little effort.

Prices for treatment of extensor tendon rupture

Extensor tendon rupture

Anesthesia

90 112

Anesthesia for surgical treatment
Local anesthesia (the operation is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist)	10,000₽
Intravenous sedation (TVVA)	20,000 RUB
General anesthesia (KETN). The duration of the operation is from 2 to 8 hours.	40 000₽

Hospital stay

901 19 7 000₽

See full price list

Benefits of treatment at the ART Clinic

0002 A team of highly qualified specialists with extensive experience

Modern minimally invasive methods of operations and reconstructions

Affordable prices, promotions, discounts, installments

Briefly about the procedure

Duration of the operation

1 hour

Aneste

local anesthesia

Suture removal

after 6-7 days

Hospitalization

1 day

Examination

2-3 times

Rehabilitation

After suture removal

Contact person

All specialists

Subcutaneous rupture of the extensor tendon of the finger occupies a leading position among all injuries of the hand. The very moment of rupture may not be accompanied by severe pain. The tear of the tendon leads to the fact that the hand ceases to perform its function normally, and the finger acquires a hammer-like appearance. In some cases, the rupture occurs during a finger injury and is accompanied by a detachment of a fragment of the bone of the nail phalanx at the site of tendon attachment.

Seeking help from a hand reconstruction specialist in a timely manner makes it possible to restore the integrity of a damaged finger tendon in case of spontaneous rupture or injury due to injury. The Art Clinic performs surgical treatment of tendon rupture.

What can cause a tendon rupture in the hand

Often the cause of injury is a sharp blow or bending of the phalanx of the finger. The extensor tendon of the finger is overstretched and torn, sometimes with a fragment of bone. As a result of an injury to the phalanx, the finger takes on a hammer-like appearance. The finger stops flexing on its own.

Other causes of finger tendon rupture:

• tendon degenerative processes;
• ignoring safety regulations during manual work;
• excessive sports activities, short interval between workouts;
• unsuccessful falls, blows.

Rupture can occur both with a single impact on the hand, and after prolonged loads, several blows.

Symptoms of injury

A tendon rupture in the little finger, middle finger or other finger is not always immediately recognizable. In most cases, at the time of injury, a person hears a click, but does not feel severe pain. It is possible to suspect subcutaneous tendon rupture by characteristic symptoms:

• finger does not extend on its own, but can be straightened by using the other hand;
• edema appears at the site of injury;
• pain in the finger.

Pain is especially intense when a bone fragment is torn off.

Treatment at the Art Clinic

At the Art Clinic, the treatment of finger tendon rupture is performed by surgical methods. The operation does not require special preparation and long recovery. The reconstruction of the damaged tendon is performed under local anesthesia. The operation lasts up to 60 minutes, the patient’s stay in the clinic is from several hours to a day.

If an injury has occurred, the finger has become like a hammer, you should not hesitate to contact the Art Clinic for help. Call the specified phone number or leave a request on the website to find out the price of treatment in Moscow and sign up for an initial consultation.

More about the procedure

Symptoms of extensor tendon rupture

As a rule, an extensor injury is not accompanied by severe pain. Sometimes people notice only after a while that there is no active extension of the nail phalanx.

The finger can be painlessly extended with the other hand, but cannot be extended by itself. Swelling and soreness are possible, especially when a bone fragment is torn off.

Features of the operation

The priority method of treatment is the fixation of the nail phalanx with a needle for 5-6 weeks. The needle sinks under the skin and allows you to use your finger in everyday life. After removal of the pin within a few weeks, the movement in the joint is completely restored. This operation is most effective in the first week after the injury.

A more complex operation is required if:

• a bone fragment is torn off more than 30% of the width of the articular surface
• palmar distal phalanx subluxation
• injury more than 3 weeks ago

In these cases, the torn tendon is sutured to the distal phalanx. If there is a fracture, the bone fragment is fixed with a pin. The nail phalanx is fixed in the position of moderate hyperextension with a needle passed through the joint so as not to tear the tendon suture.

Preparing for surgery

There are no special recommendations for preparing for surgery. On the day of surgery, do not eat or drink liquids in the morning. If you take medication regularly, take it with one sip of water.