User:Mr. Ibrahem/Dislocated finger

A dislocated finger is when one of the three joints of the finger is out of place. Symptoms generally include a visibly crooked finger, pain, and swelling. Complications may include ligament or tendon injury, which may result in instability or a boutonnière deformity.

Common causes include sports that involve balls and gymnastics. The underlying mechanism generally involves the finger getting bent backwards. They includes DIP dislocations, PIP dislocations (most common), and MCP dislocation. The most commonly affected MCP joint is that of the thumb. Diagnosis is by X-rays. They can be classified as dorsal, volar, or lateral based on the position of the bone farthest from the body.

Treatment is by joint reduction, which can often be achieved by pulling on the finger. This may be carried out following a ring block of the affected finger; though not always required. Following reduction X-rays are done to verify success and the finger splinted or buddy tapped for a week or two. If splinted, it may be recommended to remove the splint to move the finger daily. When a fracture or instability is also present, management is more complicated. Dislocated fingers are common. They occur most often in the late teenage years.