title: Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint injuries of the hand, including the thumb.
abstract: There is no cookbook approach to the treatment of a swollen finger or thumb. Different injury patterns may require different types of immobilization and different periods of abstinence from participation. Certain articular fractures and collateral ligament injuries have better results when treated with primary surgical intervention. It is only through accurate evaluation and adequate treatment that we may prevent long-term disability secondary to articular injuries of the fingers and thumb.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kahler
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: McCue
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000175:diagnosis; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries*