In a jersey finger injury, which tendon is avulsed and what is the standard treatment?

Study for the NBCOT Hand Injuries and Intervention Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

In a jersey finger injury, which tendon is avulsed and what is the standard treatment?

Jersey finger happens when the flexor digitorum profundus tendon pulls away from its attachment at the distal phalanx after a forceful grip, usually when trying to catch a jersey. FDP is the tendon that bends the DIP joint, so when it avulses, the finger loses DIP flexion and cannot bend at the fingertip. The standard treatment is surgical repair to reattach the FDP to the distal phalanx. nonoperative management cannot restore the tendon’s function and would leave the finger with persistent loss of DIP flexion. This injury is typically treated urgently to optimize healing, with immobilization and a structured rehab plan after repair to protect the repair before gradual return to motion. Other options describe injuries to different structures: an extensor tendon injury causes problems with straightening the fingertip (mallet finger), while avulsions of other flexor tendons have different clinical presentations and management.

Jersey finger happens when the flexor digitorum profundus tendon pulls away from its attachment at the distal phalanx after a forceful grip, usually when trying to catch a jersey. FDP is the tendon that bends the DIP joint, so when it avulses, the finger loses DIP flexion and cannot bend at the fingertip.

The standard treatment is surgical repair to reattach the FDP to the distal phalanx. nonoperative management cannot restore the tendon’s function and would leave the finger with persistent loss of DIP flexion. This injury is typically treated urgently to optimize healing, with immobilization and a structured rehab plan after repair to protect the repair before gradual return to motion.

Other options describe injuries to different structures: an extensor tendon injury causes problems with straightening the fingertip (mallet finger), while avulsions of other flexor tendons have different clinical presentations and management.

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