Jersey Finger

Don't Get Sidelined!

Author

Jesse Dashe MD
November 06, 2023

Topic: Jersey Finger - Don't Get Sidelined!

Greetings colleagues,

Welcome to the Hands-On The East Bay Newsletter, which summarizes key topics in hand surgery for providers on the front lines. I'm Dr. Jesse Dashe, an orthopedic hand surgeon at the East Bay Hand Medical Center.

Question:

What is a jersey finger?

Answer: 

It's an avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon from the distal phalanx of a finger.

Jersey finger Source: orthobullets

Question:

Common causes?

Answer: 

  • Grabbing a jersey while tackling in football

  • Forceful hyperextension injury of the finger

Question:

Typical symptoms?

Answer: 

  • Sudden pain in the finger, often ring finger

  • Inability to flex at DIP joint

  • Potential fingertip droop

Question:

What workup is needed?

Answer: 

  • Xrays always

  • MRI may be needed if unable to tell how far the FDP has retracted

Jersey finger. Source: Orthobullets

Question:

What is the first line treatment?

Answer: 

  • Splint for comfort, possibly in slight flexion

  • Prompt orthopedic referral as this is a time sensitive injury

Jersey Finger Treatment. Source: Orthobullets

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to refer any patients. You can refer patients at handreferral.com or by using this link:

If you need to reach me directly, please respond to this email or email me at [email protected].

Please contact me so I can come by your facility to meet face-to-face and/or give presentations, splinting sessions, etc.

Lastly, let me know if you have any other hand topics you would like covered in the future!

Sincerely,