INJURIES BY CATEGORY
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Neck Injuries
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Chest Injuries
Abdominal Injuries
Hip Injuries
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Internal Organ Injuries
Jammed Finger
What is a Jammed Finger?
A jammed
finger
is a commonly seen injury any many types of sports and is typically caused from a forceful impact to the finger. It is important to note that this injury does not solely occur when participating in sports but it is one of the most commonly seen injuries in the game of
basketball
. Immediately following the injury it is very important to
apply ice
to the injured area to help relieve some of the swelling that will likely occur from this injury. If the swelling does not go down within a few days or you believe that you have suffered from a more severe injury such as a
finger fracture
, it is important to see a medical professional to receive the proper diagnosis.
Medical Definition of a Jammed Finger
A jammed finger, also known as a boutonniere deformity is caused by a rupture of the central portion of the extensor tendon at its insertion into the middle phalanx. The proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIP, flexes from the unopposed pull of the flexor tendon. The head of the proximal phalanx “button holes” between the lateral bands of the extensor tendon mechanism, which results in the lateral bands becoming displaced below the axis of rotation of the PIP joint, causing it to further flex.
Synonyms
- Central slip extensor tendon injury
- Boutonniere Deformity
What are the symptoms of a Jammed Finger?
- Jammed finger linked back to an incident of trauma.
- Difficulty extending the injured finger.
- PIP joint is flexed while the DIP joint is extended.
Related Injuries
-
Finger Fracture
-
Trigger Finger
-
Mallet Finger
Treatment of a Jammed Finger
- PIP joint should be splinted for 6 weeks for the youth and 3 weeks for the elderly.
- DIP joint should be left free: active/passive motion then initiated at this joint.
- Proper usage of
NSAIDS
to help alleviate any pain.
Related Anatomy
-
Wrist Joint
-
Radius
-
Ulna
Sports
-
Basketball
References
Greene W.B. (Ed). (2001). Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care.Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (225-226)