Jersey finger

Background

• Avulsion of flexor mechanism of distal phalanx
• Occurs from forced extension of fully flexed DIP (from grabbing someone's jersey)

Clinical Features

• Patient unable to actively flex the DIP joint while maintaining full passive ROM

Differential Diagnosis

Hand and finger injuries

• Radiograph positive
  • Hand and finger fractures
  • Hand and finger dislocations
  • Triquetrolunate ligament instability
• Radiograph negative
  • Dupeytren contracture
  • Boutonniere deformity
  • Hand and finger tendon injuries
  • Ganglion cyst
  • De Quervain tenosynovitis
  • Intersection syndrome
  • Drummer's wrist
  • Extensor digitorum tenosynovitis
  • Vaughn Jackson syndrome
  • Snapping Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
  • Compressive neuropathy, "bracelet syndrome"
  • Scaphoid fracture
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Infiltrative tenosynovitis
  • Gout
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Trigger finger
  • Mallet finger
    • Swan neck deformity
  • Jersey finger
  • Jammed finger
  • Subungual hematoma
  • Fingertip laceration
  • Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) ulnar ligament rupture (Gamekeeper's thumb)
  • Nail avulsion
  • High-pressure injection injury

Evaluation

• Ultrasound can differentiate between partial and complete rupture

Management

• Early referral to hand specialist (surgery required for all Jersey finger injuries) - 1-2 days
• Finger Splint in slight flexion at DIP

See Also

• Radiograph-Negative Hand and Finger Injuries

References

Authors

Ross Donaldson, Neil Young, Allen Bookatz, Michael Hwang, Daniel Ostermayer