(Dislocated finger; Dislocation, Finger)
A finger dislocation is when the a finger bone is out of place. A dislocation also often involves stretching or damage to the ligaments. Ligaments are strong bands of fiber that help hold bones in place. Dislocation can happen in any of the finger joints.
Finger Dislocation With Swelling
A dislocated finger is usually caused by:
- A force that jams the end of the finger
- Finger being forcefully twisted or bent
- Finger being overextended (bent backward)
Factors that increase your risk of dislocation include:
Symptoms may include:
- Severe pain
- Crooked or awkwardly bent shape finger
- Swelling and bruising in the injured area
- Numbness and/or tingling
- Inability to bend or straighten the finger
You will be asked about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. The injured finger will be examined.
Images of your finger may be needed. This can be done with an x-ray.
Seek medical care right away. Do not try to put your finger bones back into place. If you wait for treatment, you could cause permanent damage.
The finger bones will be moved back into place. A local anesthesic may be used to help reduce pain. Your finger may then be placed in a splint or taped to the healthy finger. For severe injuries or ones that can not be moved back into place, a cast or surgery may be needed.
To help prevent a finger dislocation, wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports. Work with a coach or other professional to learn proper techniques and safety steps.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
Dislocated finger. Sports Injury Clinic website. Available at: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/wrist-pain/dislocated-finger. Accessed August 5, 2015.
Finger (PIP joint) dislocation. National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics website. Available at: http://www.ncemi.org/cse/cse0926.htm. Accessed August 5, 2015.
PIP joint dislocation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated April 14, 2014. Accessed September 25, 2014.
10/26/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Massey T, Derry S, Moore R, McQuay H. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402.
Last reviewed August 2015 by Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.