Finger Dislocation

(Dislocated finger; Dislocation, Finger)

• Definition • Causes • Risk Factors • Symptoms • Diagnosis • Treatment • Prevention

Definition

A finger dislocation is when the a finger bone is knocked 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.

Finger Dislocation With Swelling

Causes

A dislocated finger is usually caused by:

A jamming force applied to 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

A dislocated finger may have:

Severe pain
Crooked or awkwardly bent shape
Swelling and bruising in the injured area
Numbness and/or tingling
Inability to bend or straighten

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. The injured finger will also be examined.

Your doctor may order an x-ray. This can help rule out broken bones. It may also be used to make sure the bone is back in the correct place.

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 doctor will move the finger bones back into place. A local anesthesia 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 in to place by hand, a cast or surgery may be needed.

Home Care

You may still have swelling and discomfort after the doctor adjusts your finger. To help reduce swelling and pain try:

Ice—Apply ice or a cold pack to your finger for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day for several days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Elevate—Try to hold the injured hand above the level of your heart. This is to help the swelling go down. For example, place your hand up on a pillow. Using a sling for a few days keeps the hand somewhat elevated.
Over-the-counter medication—such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen

Once the pain is reduced, begin exercises to restore function and strength in your finger.

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 Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/

REFERENCES:

Disloacted Finger. Sports Injury Clinic website. Available at: http://www.sportsi... . Accessed December 28, 2012.

Finger (PIP joint) dislocation. National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics website. Available at: http://www.ncemi.org/cse/cse0926.htm . Accessed December 28, 2012.

PIP dislocation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated May 21, 2012. Accessed December 28, 2012.

10/26/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Massey T, Derry S, Moore R, McQuay H. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 11/26/2012

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