title: Finger joint injuries.
abstract: Finger joint dislocations and collateral ligament tears are common athletic hand injuries. Treatment of the athlete requires a focus on safe return to play and maximizing function. Certain dislocations, such as proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal volar dislocations, may be associated with tendon injuries and must be treated accordingly. Treatment of other dislocations is ultimately determined by postreduction stability, with many dislocations amenable to nonoperative treatment (ie, immobilization followed by rehabilitation). Protective splinting does not necessarily preclude athletic participation. Minor bone involvement typically does not affect the treatment plan, but significant articular surface involvement may necessitate surgical repair or stabilization. Percutaneous and internal fixation are the mainstays of surgical treatment. Treatment options that do not minimize recovery or allow the patient to return to protected play, such as external fixation, are generally avoided during the season of play. Undertreated joint injuries and unrecognized ligament injuries can result in long term disability.
authors.affiliation: Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Roni B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Prucz
authors.affiliation: Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. Electronic address: jfriedri@uw.edu.
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Friedrich
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Athletic hand injury; Finger dislocation; Finger joint injury; Finger sprain; Intra-articular finger fracture