What is a Dislocated Finger

A dislocated finger is a very common non-life-threatening injury. The injury occurs when a bone slips out of the joint and requires manipulation or traction to restore the normal joint integrity. It is important that a trained professional place the joint back into position as it limits the potential for secondary injuries such as a fracture. This commonly occurs the the PIPJ (proximal interphalangeal joint).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger?

+ Deformity of the finger

+ Pain in the pain

+ Inability to bend the finger

What is the Treatment of a Dislocated Finger?

The Physiotherapist will x-ray the hand to ensure there is no fracture that has occurred. If a large fracture is found then a review with a hand surgeon is required to ensure no surgical fixation is required. If there is no fracture on x-ray the Physiotherapist will assess the soft tissue structures of the hand including the ligaments and the tendons. The Physiotherapist will then create a thermoplastic splint to ensure the soft tissues heal correctly. If a splint is not worn the finger may develop problems such as a boutonniere deformity or subsequent dislocations.