Jersey finger
Background
- Avulsion of flexor tendon from distal phalanx
- Occurs from forced extension of flexed DIP (historically from grabbing someone's jersey with the tip of a finger)
Clinical Features
- Inability to actively flex DIP joint
- Full passive ROM is maintained
Differential Diagnosis
Hand and finger injuries
- Distal finger
- Other finger/thumb
- Boutonniere deformity
- Mallet finger
- Jammed finger
- Jersey finger
- Trigger finger
- Ring avulsion injury
- De Quervain tenosynovitis
- Infiltrative tenosynovitis
- Metacarpophalangeal ulnar ligament rupture (Gamekeeper's thumb)
- Hand
- Wrist
- Drummer's wrist
- Ganglion cyst
- Lunotriquetral ligament instability
- Scaphoid fracture
- Extensor digitorum tenosynovitis
- Compressive neuropathy ("bracelet syndrome")
- Intersection syndrome
- Snapping Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
- Vaughn Jackson syndrome
- General
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis
- Ultrasound can differentiate between partial and complete rupture[1]
Management
- Finger splint in slight flexion at DIP
- Early follow-up (24-48 hours) with hand specialist - surgery is required for all Jersey finger injuries
Disposition
- Discharge
Specialty Care
- Based on Leddy and Packer Classification[2]
Class | Description | Treatment |
---|---|---|
I | Vincula ruptured with tendon retraction to palm | Primary tendon repair within 10 days |
II | Vincula intact with tendon retraction to proximal interphalangeal joint | Primary tendon repair within 10 days (but may be delayed) |
III | Fracture fragment retains tendon at distal interphalangeal joint | Repair of fracture fragment (6 weeks) |
IV | Fracture fragment has tendon avulsed off and retracted | Repair of fracture fragment and tendon repair (12 weeks) |