What is swan neck deformity and Raynaud's phenomenon?

Overview. This condition is a result of tendon imbalance in the finger or thumb. In the finger, it causes a characteristic deformity in which the middle finger joint (called the PIP joint) hyperextends, and the fingertip joint (called the DIP joint) bends downward.

What disease causes swan neck deformity?

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to swan neck deformities (and boutonniere deformity) over time. In this autoimmune disorder, joints become inflamed, leading to pain and deformity of the joints. Other possible causes of swan neck deformity include: Ruptured finger tendon.

Is swan neck deformity a disability?

The bent fingers may make it difficult for a person with swan neck deformity to grasp objects or make a fist. A doctor may classify the limited motion as a disability, as the person has lost some fundamental function in the fingers and hand.

What zone is affected in a patient with swan neck deformity?

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, swan neck deformity is caused by synovitis and tissue inflammation of the PIP joint (the middle finger joint). The joint tissues weaken, allowing the joint to hyperextend and the lateral stabilizing tendons shift above the joint axis.

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.

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

What does swan neck deformity look like?

In swan-neck deformity, the joint at the base of the finger bends in (flexes), the middle joint straightens out (extends), and the outermost joint bends in (flexes). In boutonnière deformity, the middle finger joint is bent inward (toward the palm), and the outermost finger joint is bent outward (away from the palm).

How is swan neck deformity treated?

The treatment for SND can vary, depending on the condition's severity. Noninvasive treatments include physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and splints. More invasive procedures include surgery. These can range from minor soft tissue repair to more drastic measures like replacing or fusing the finger joint.

Does swan neck deformity need surgery?

Non-surgical Treatment

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 is Swan disease?

SWAN stands for syndrome or syndromes without a name. It's a term the doctors might use when a child has symptoms of a genetic disorder, but these symptoms can't be diagnosed. Children with SWAN can have a range of different symptoms including developmental delay, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

Which splint is used for swan neck deformity?

Oval-8 Finger Splints that block hyperextension without limiting flexion are often very successful long-term solutions in patients with mild to moderate Swan Neck Deformity. These comfortable, unobtrusive splints keep the finger in proper alignment and prevent hyperextension at the PIP joint.

Is swan neck painful?

Symptoms. A swan neck deformity can cause your finger joints to feel painful and swollen. Your PIP joint will bend back too far in hyperextension and your DIP joint will bend in towards the palm of your hand. Finger function can be affected when the deformity is not flexible.

What type of arthritis causes deformed fingers?

Fingers drifting away from the thumb is a unique sign of rheumatoid arthritis. A Boutonniere deformity is a bent middle finger joint. A swan-neck deformity is a bent end of the finger and over-extended middle joint. Both are unique signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

What causes deformity of fingers?

The cartilage in your joints can wear away unevenly. Additionally, the tissues and ligaments designed to hold the joints in place grow weaker as arthritis progresses. These two developments can cause deformities in your fingers and hands. As the condition worsens, the deformity will be more obvious.

Can swan neck deformity be cured?

Swan neck deformity is usually caused by incurable conditions like RA. While the root cause of the deformity cannot be cured, surgical and nonsurgical options can be used to help correct the deformity.

Does mallet finger cause swan neck deformity?

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 are the three main hand deformities?

Why is it called Vikings disease?

Dupuytren's disease has been given the moniker “the Viking disease” due to its prevalence in the north of Europe and those of Northern European descent.

How do you treat finger deformity?

Splinting. The most common treatment for boutonniere deformity involves stabilizing your finger with a splint that rests on the middle joint. The splint creates pressure to straighten and immobilize the finger.

What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis in the hands?

Stage 1 (early or doubtful) Stage 2 (mild or minimal) Stage 3 (moderate) Stage 4 (severe)

What are the four deformities of rheumatoid arthritis?

What are the first signs of arthritis in fingers?

What does rheumatoid arthritis look like in fingers?

Rheumatoid nodules are the most common RA skin symptom, found in about a quarter of people with RA. They're firm, raised bumps, usually round in shape, and typically on or around joints that are already inflamed by RA. This most often includes the knuckles, wrist, elbow, knee or the back of your heel.

How can I tell if I have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis tends to develop gradually over several years, as the joint cartilage wears away. Eventually the bones of your joints rub against each other. In contrast, the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis can develop and worsen over several weeks or a few months.

Can you reverse arthritis in hands?

The joints most likely to be affected are those in your hands, wrists, and feet. Like other forms of arthritis, RA can't be reversed. Even if you show evidence of low inflammation and your joints aren't swollen and tender, your doctor may want you to continue taking some medication to avoid a flare of the disease.

Which fingers are affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

The joints most likely to show signs of RA are: The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, or large knuckles, where the fingers and thumb meet the hand. The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, or middle knuckles.