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Sprained finger of the hand: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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ICD-10 code
- 563.1. Dislocation of finger.
- S63.2. Multiple dislocations of fingers.
[ What causes a dislocated finger?
The cause of occurrence is injuries of indirect mechanism: violence on the finger from the palmar side, leading to hyperextension and posterior displacement (fall, hit by a ball, etc.).
Symptoms of a finger dislocation
Pain and dysfunction of the joint are the main symptoms of a dislocated finger. The hand has a characteristic appearance.
Anamnesis
The anamnesis indicates an injury with a corresponding mechanism.
Inspection and physical examination
The terminal phalanx of the first finger is bent, the main one is almost at a right angle to the metacarpal bone. The head of the latter is under the skin of the palmar surface. Movements in the metacarpophalangeal joint are impossible. A positive symptom of spring resistance is noted.
Treatment of finger dislocation
Conservative treatment of finger dislocation
General or local anesthesia. A loop of twisted bandage is put on the terminal phalanx of the first finger, the surgeon applies traction along the length of the finger using the ends of the loop and increases the hyperextension of the main phalanx to an acute angle. With the thumb of the second hand, the doctor moves the proximal part of the main phalanx so that it slides along the metacarpal bone, and as soon as the edges of the articular surfaces come into contact, the finger is bent. Reduction occurs.
It is necessary to control the restoration of movements. A plaster cast is applied from the upper third of the forearm to the end of the first finger, the remaining fingers are free, starting from the heads of the metacarpal bones. Control radiography is mandatory.
The immobilization period is 3 weeks. Then rehabilitation treatment is prescribed: exercise therapy, ozokerite, warm baths with exercise therapy, etc.
Surgical treatment of finger dislocation
In some cases, closed reduction of the first toe fails. Interposition of the flexor tendon, sesamoid bones, or capsule fragments occurs between the articulating surfaces. If several correctly performed attempts do not result in reduction, surgical treatment is indicated.