Finger Dislocations Specialist

What are finger dislocations?

Finger dislocations are injuries in which one or more of the joints in your fingers are no longer aligned. Your fingers are made up of three primary joints:

Distal interphalangeal joint

The distal interphalangeal joint is the joint located near the tip of your finger. This joint may become dislocated from an acute injury or trauma.

Proximal interphalangeal joint

Your proximal interphalangeal joint is the middle joint in your finger and may become dislocated following a jamming injury. It is the most frequently dislocated joint.

Metacarpophalangeal joint

The metacarpophalangeal joint is your knuckle and connects your finger to your hand. These joints are very strong and rarely become dislocated.

Finger dislocations most often occur when your finger is bent in the wrong direction.

What are the symptoms of a finger dislocation?

Your finger dislocation may cause a deformity in the finger, making it difficult to miss. You may also experience pain, swelling, and a decrease in range of motion in the affected finger. 

Do I need medical treatment for a finger dislocation?

Yes, you should get immediate medical care if you suspect you have a dislocated finger. You shouldn’t make any attempt at “popping” your finger joint back into place as it may cause you to damage other tissue, such as blood vessels or nerves. 

Your dislocated finger can cause damage to your ligaments or be indicative of a fracture, which are injuries that require medical management.

How are finger dislocations treated?

Treatment for your finger dislocation depends on the affected joint and the severity of your dislocation. If possible, the specialists at Central Jersey Hand Surgery realign your finger joints through a reduction procedure, which is done under local anesthesia to ease any discomfort.

Once your hand specialist aligns your joints, they may provide a splint or use special tape to support the joint so the ligaments can heal. You may be required to wear the splint or tape for a few weeks. 

If your finger dislocation resulted in a tearing of your ligaments, you may need surgery to reconstruct the tissue. Recovery following surgery may take four to six weeks.

Finger dislocations require medical attention to ensure the restoration of the joint. For expert care, call Central Jersey Hand Surgery or request an appointment online today.