Jersey Finger

Overview

what it is and why it matters

Palmar dissection of the hand and wrist showing the eight carpal bones, flexor tendons, and median and ulnar nerves. — **Hand and wrist anatomy.** Eight small carpal bones form the wrist and connect the forearm to the five metacarpals of the palm. Finger tendons and the median and ulnar nerves pass through narrow tunnels in the wrist on their way into the hand.

Jersey finger is an avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon from its insertion at the base of the distal phalanx. The ring finger is most commonly affected. The injury occurs when a flexed finger is forcibly extended while the FDP is contracting — the classic mechanism is grabbing a jersey (or opponent's clothing) while the finger is pulled back.

The patient cannot flex the DIP joint of the affected finger. The proximal end of the avulsed tendon may retract into the palm.

Diagnosis

exam first, imaging second

Examination: the patient cannot flex the DIP joint when the PIP and MCP are held extended. Tenderness may be felt at the finger tip, the finger, or as proximal as the palm where the tendon has retracted. X-ray identifies a bony avulsion fragment. MRI locates the tendon end when plain films are negative.

Treatment Path

how care progresses at OSI

Observation (select cases)

Only for elderly, low-demand patients who accept the loss of DIP flexion.

Surgical Options at OSI

if non-operative care isn't enough

Jersey finger is nearly always treated surgically; the avulsed tendon retracts and becomes ischemic within 1–2 weeks, making delayed repair progressively more difficult. Early repair (within 7–10 days) is strongly preferred.

Overview

Diagnosis

Treatment Path

Observation (select cases)

Surgical Options at OSI

Providers Who Treat Jersey Finger

Michael S. Vrana, M.D.

David B. Templin, M.D.

Trent Twitero, M.D.

Further Reading

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