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Deformities can result from generalized disorders (eg, arthritis) or dislocations, fractures, and other localized disorders. Most nontraumatic localized disorders can be diagnosed by physical examination. Once a hand deformity becomes firmly established, it cannot be significantly altered by splinting, exercise, or other nonsurgical treatment.
Mallet Finger
Mallet finger is a flexion deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint preventing extension (see Fig. 1: Hand Disorders: Mallet finger. ).
This deformity results from an extensor tendon rupture or an avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx. The deformity may not be obvious immediately after injury, but on examination, patients cannot fully extend the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Closed injuries may be treated with splinting that holds the DIP joint in extension and leaves the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint free. Avulsion fractures are usually united after 6 wk, but pure tendon injuries require an additional 2 to 4 wk of nighttime splinting. Surgery may be required if there is a fracture that involves a large proportion of the articular surface or if the joint is subluxated.
Swan-Neck Deformity
A swan-neck deformity consists of hyperextension of the PIP joint, flexion of the DIP joint, and sometimes flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint (see Fig. 2: Hand Disorders: Boutonnière and swan-neck deformities.).
Although characteristic in RA, swan-neck deformity has several causes, including untreated mallet finger, laxity of the ligaments of the volar aspect of the PIP joint, spasticity of intrinsic hand muscles, rupture of the flexor tendon of the PIP joint, and malunion of a fracture of the middle or proximal phalanx. The inability to correct or compensate for hyperextension of the PIP joint makes finger closure impossible and can cause severe disability. Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying disorder when possible (eg, correcting the mallet finger or any bony malalignment, releasing spastic intrinsic muscles). Mild deformities in patients with RA may be treated with a functional ring splint.
True swan-neck deformity does not affect the thumb, which has only one interphalangeal joint. However, severe hyperextension of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb with flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint can occur; this is called a duck bill, Z (zigzag) type, or 90°-angle deformity. With simultaneous thumb instability, pinch is greatly impaired. This deformity can usually be corrected by interphalangeal arthrodesis along with tendon reconstruction at the MCP joint.
Boutonnière Deformity
(Buttonhole Deformity)
A boutonnière deformity consists of flexion of the PIP joint accompanied by hyperextension of the DIP joint (see Fig. 2: Hand Disorders: Boutonnière and swan-neck deformities.).
This deformity can result from tendon laceration, dislocation, fracture, osteoarthritis, or RA. Classically, the deformity is caused by disruption of the central slip attachment of the extensor tendon to the base of the middle phalanx, allowing the proximal phalanx to protrude (“buttonhole”) between the lateral bands of the extensor tendon. Initial treatment consists of splinting, but it must occur before scarring and fixed deformities develop. Surgical reconstruction often cannot restore normal motion but may decrease the deformity and improve hand function.
Dupuytren's Contracture
(Palmar Fibromatosis)
Dupuytren's contracture is progressive contracture of the palmar fascial bands, causing flexion deformities of the fingers.
Dupuytren's contracture is one of the more common hand deformities; the incidence is higher among men and increases after age 45. This autosomal dominant condition with variable penetrance may occur more commonly among patients with diabetes, alcoholism, or epilepsy. However, the specific factor that causes the palmar fascia to thicken and contract is unknown.
Symptoms and Signs
The earliest manifestation is usually a tender nodule in the palm, most often near the middle or ring finger; it gradually becomes painless. Next, a superficial cord forms and contracts the MCP joints and interphalangeal joints of the fingers. The hand eventually becomes arched. The disease is occasionally associated with fibrous thickening of the dorsum of the PIP joints (Garrod's pads), Peyronie's disease (penile fibromatosis) in about 7 to 10% of patients, and rarely nodules on the plantar surface of the feet (plantar fibromatosis). Other types of flexion deformities of the fingers can also occur in diabetes, systemic sclerosis, and chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which need to be differentiated.
Treatment
Injection of a corticosteroid suspension into the nodule can relieve local tenderness if begun before contractures develop. If the hand cannot be placed flat on a table or, especially, when significant contracture develops at the PIP joints, surgery is usually indicated. Excision of the diseased fascia must be meticulous because it surrounds neurovascular bundles and tendons. Incomplete excision or new disease results in recurrent contracture, especially in patients who are young at disease onset or who have a family history, Garrod's pads, Peyronie's disease, or plantar foot involvement. Injectable collagenase may reverse some contractures, although this treatment is not yet in widespread clinical use.
Last full review/revision March 2008 by David R. Steinberg, MD
Content last modified March 2008
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