A finger knocked out of joint in a crash
What a hand surgeon and a hand therapist want you to know
A dislocated finger is one where the surfaces of a joint have slipped out of line. It often happens at the middle joint. Once the finger is put back in place, it may look close to normal. It can still stay swollen, stiff or unstable. Swelling may hide a small break or a torn ligament. Care centers on keeping the joint lined up and getting motion back at the right time. [1, 2]
Learn exactly what happened to the joint
Ask which joint came out of place and which way it moved. Find out whether X rays taken before and after it was put back showed a break. Ask if the joint stays centered as it bends. Do not try to pull a crooked finger straight yourself. If no one has treated the finger yet, get medical care soon. A doctor should also check feeling, blood flow and how the tendons work. [1, 2]
Follow the right mix of protection and movement
For some stable dislocations, the finger is taped to the one beside it and gentle movement begins. An unstable joint, or one with a break, may need a special splint or a hand surgeon’s review. Ask which plan fits you and how often to move the finger. [1, 2]
Keeping the finger still for too long can make it stiff. Moving an unstable joint too freely can let it slip out again. A hand therapist can show you how to strike that balance. [1, 2]
Watch for changes in the finger
Get urgent care if the finger turns cold, pale or blue, or goes numb for the first time. Do the same if it looks like it has slipped out again. Contact the hand team if you can’t straighten or bend a joint on your own. The same applies if swelling increases or the finger stays very stiff even with your prescribed exercises. [1, 2]
Questions about tape, splints and tendons
- Did I break a bone or hurt a tendon when the finger dislocated?
- Is the joint stable through the motion I’m allowed to do?
- How long do I need the tape or splint?
See the movements before you leave
Before you walk out of the appointment, ask someone on your care team to show you the protected movements. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1Cambridge University Hospitals finger dislocations
- 2American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons sprained finger
This article shares general information from a hand surgery and hand therapy point of view. A dislocated finger may come with a break, a tendon injury or a joint that won’t stay stable. Stick to the exact splint and movement plan you received.
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