Mechanism
1. Usually dorsal dislocation
2. Often occurs when ball strikes tip of finger
Differential Diagnosis
1. Mallet finger (Extensor tendon rupture)
Management: Reduction
1. Digital Nerve Block
2. Apply traction while hyperextending dip joint
3. Apply pressure to base of distal phalanx
4. Return phalanx to position by flexing dip joint
Management: Post-Reduction
1. Post-reduction joint assessment
  1. Assess joint range of motion
  2. Assess collateral ligaments with DIP flexed
2. Immobilization
  1. Dorsal splint for 2 weeks in 20-30 degrees of flexion
Complications
1. Often associated with open Fractures

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 10/21/2007 and last published on 2/5/2012.

This is one of 5663 pages in the Family Practice Notebook