How does mallet finger lead to swan neck?

Without treatment, the DIP joint droops and won't straighten out. This condition is called a mallet finger. The extensor tendon may become imbalanced and begin to pull the PIP joint into hyperextension, forming a swan neck deformity. Chronic inflammation from RA can also disrupt the very end of the extensor tendon.

How does mallet finger become swan neck?

Mallet finger leads to an imbalance in the distribution of the extensor force between the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and DIP joints. If left untreated, mallet finger leads to a swan neck deformity from PIP joint hyper extension and DIP joint flexion.

What causes fingers to swan neck?

The usual cause of a swan neck deformity is weakness or tearing of a ligament on the palm side of the middle joint of the finger. Sometimes it is caused by tearing of the tendon that flexes the middle joint. In other cases, injury of the tendon that straightens the end joint is the cause.

What condition is the most common cause of swan neck deformity?

Rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, and physical trauma are the three main causes of swan neck deformity. Some other possible causes may include: untreated mallet finger. a poorly healed fracture in the finger.

What structure is damaged with mallet finger?

Mallet finger, known as drop finger or baseball finger, is an injury to the tendon that straightens the tip of your finger (or thumb). Tendons attach your bones to your muscles, providing stability and motion. With injury, the tendon can tear or detach from the finger bone.

Boutonnière Deformity, Swan neck Deformity, Elson test, Mallet finger : Animated Clinical essentials

What is a swan neck?

Swan neck deformity is a hand deformity in which your fingers are bent abnormally. Your finger's middle joint bends back more than usual. The tip of your finger is bent down. Swan neck deformity only affects your fingers. Your thumb isn't affected, as it has one less joint than your fingers.

What happens if you don't treat mallet finger?

If a mallet finger is left untreated, your finger can become stiff. Or the finger may develop a swan neck deformity, where the joint bends the wrong way. A mallet finger in children involves an additional concern. The injury may affect the cartilage in the finger that controls bone growth.

What is the difference between mallet finger and swan neck deformity?

Without treatment, the DIP joint droops and won't straighten out. This condition is called a mallet finger. The extensor tendon may become imbalanced and begin to pull the PIP joint into hyperextension, forming a swan neck deformity. Chronic inflammation from RA can also disrupt the very end of the extensor tendon.

Which tendon is involved with mallet finger?

In a mallet injury, when an object hits the tip of the finger or thumb, the force of the blow tears the extensor tendon. Occasionally, a minor force such as tucking in a bed sheet will cause a mallet finger.

What zone is swan neck deformity?

Swan neck deformity. Swan neck deformity can occur under various conditions, including Zone I extensor tendon injury (mallet finger), FDS minus, volar plate injury of the PIP joint, and tightness of the intrinsic muscles (Fig. 13.104).

What causes fingers to hyperextend?

Hyperextension of the finger usually occurs at the knuckle joint (MCP) or at the tip of the finger (mallet finger). This often occurs from catching a fast paced ball and is therefore common in cricketers, goalkeepers and basketball players. It can also be caused by landing on an outstretched hand from a heavy fall.

What causes Jersey finger?

Causes of Jersey Finger

Jersey finger occurs when the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon is torn and pulled from the bone of the affected finger. The condition gets its name from the act of pulling on someone's jersey. If the finger gets caught in the jersey and pulled, it can lead to damage to the flexor tendon.

What is swan neck deformity and Raynaud's phenomenon?

Swan Neck Deformity is a finger condition characterized by the middle knuckle bending backwards beyond the normal range (hyperextending) and the fingertip bending down towards the palm (flexing). As the middle knuckle bends backwards, it may be difficult to get your finger to bend when you try to make a fist.

Why is it called boutonniere deformity?

It's called a boutonnière deformity because the slit in the tendon looks like a buttonhole with the bone showing. Boutonnière means buttonhole in French.

Can you fix swan neck finger?

Generally, the swan neck deformity finger can be treated non-surgically using specially designed splints that immobilize the finger and promote natural healing. In cases of fracture, complete bone healing may take 6-8 weeks, followed by physical therapy for strengthening.

What tendon straightens the finger?

Extensor tendons, located on the back of the hand and fingers, allow you to straighten your fingers and thumb (see Figure 1). These tendons are attached to muscles in the forearm. As the tendons continue into the fingers, they become flat and thin.

Is mallet finger genetic?

A noticed high incidence of mallet finger in a familial distribution has suggested a genetic disposition making individuals susceptible to sustaining such injuries even following minor trauma, although this has not been proven.

What does extensor tendon do?

Extensor tendons run just underneath the skin along the back of the hands and wrists. They control the hand's ability to straighten the fingers and wrists.

What is boutonniere and swan neck deformity?

Swan neck deformity and Boutonniere deformity are both conditions that affect the joints in the fingers. These deformities cause the finger to lose mobility and flexibility and take on an unnatural shape. These conditions can be caused by injuries to the hand as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Why is my mallet finger still swollen?

Swelling in your finger when you are no longer wearing the splint may be a sign that the tendon has not healed yet. You may need another x-ray of your finger. If your finger has not healed at the end of treatment, your provider may recommend another 4 weeks of wearing the splint.

Is mallet finger permanent?

A Word From Verywell. A mallet finger is more than just a typical jammed finger. Without proper treatment, permanent deformity can be the result. Fortunately, most people can heal this injury with the proper use of a simple splint.

Can mallet finger be fixed after months?

When the injury is new, we may recommend that the DIP joint be splinted nonstop in full extension for six to eight weeks. A mallet finger that is up to three months old may require splinting in full extension for eight to 12 weeks.

Can you lift weights with mallet finger?

You should avoid heavy gripping or lifting activities until you reach the end of your splinting period and have been advised by your Doctor or Hand Therapist.

Should you sleep with a splint on your finger?

Again, you must still sleep in your splint. If your occupation requires heavy bending and lifting with your fingers, you should continue to wear the tip protector at work.