Definition
A finger dislocation is when the a finger bone is out of place. A dislocation also often involves stretching or damage to the ligaments. Ligaments are strong bands of fiber that help hold bones in place. Dislocation can happen in any of the finger joints.
| Dislocated Finger |
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Causes
A dislocated finger is usually caused by:
- A force that jams the end of the finger
- Finger being forcefully twisted or bent
- Finger being overextended (bent backward)
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of dislocation include:
- Contact sports
- Previous finger dislocation or sprain
- Medical conditions or disease that make ligaments weak or loose, such as Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Severe pain
- Crooked or awkwardly bent shape finger
- Swelling and bruising in the injured area
- Numbness and/or tingling
- Inability to bend or straighten the finger
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. The injured finger will be examined.
Images of your finger may be needed. This can be done with an x-ray .
Treatment
Emergency Care
Seek medical care right away. Do not try to put your finger bones back into place. If you wait for treatment, you could cause permanent damage.
The finger bones will be moved back into place. A local anesthesic may be used to help reduce pain. Your finger may then be placed in a splint or taped to the healthy finger. For severe injuries or ones that can not be moved back into place, a cast or surgery may be needed.
Prevention
To help prevent a finger dislocation, wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports. Work with a coach or other professional to learn proper techniques and safety steps.
RESOURCES
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://whenithurtstomove.org
References
Dislocated finger. Sports Injury Clinic website. Available at: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/wrist-pain/dislocated-finger. Accessed August 24, 2017.
Finger (PIP joint) dislocation. National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics website. Available at: http://www.ncemi.org/cse/cse0926.htm. Accessed August 24, 2017.
PIP joint dislocation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115527/PIP-joint-dislocation . Updated June 7, 2017. Accessed August 24, 2017.
10/26/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115527/PIP-joint-dislocation : Massey T, Derry S, Moore R, McQuay H. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
- Review Date: 09/2018
- Update Date: 09/25/2014