Finger Deformities

Vocabulary flashcards covering common finger deformities and their splinting principles.

Mallet Finger

Injury in which the DIP joint is stuck in flexion and cannot actively extend; treated by keeping the DIP fully extended in a small splint for about 8 weeks.

Boutonniere Deformity

Posture with PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension; managed by splinting the PIP in full extension until tissues heal.

Swan Neck Deformity

Posture with PIP hyperextension and DIP flexion; managed by preventing PIP hyperextension (often placing it in slight flexion) while allowing active PIP flexion exercises.

PIP Joint

Proximal interphalangeal joint—the middle finger joint that is the main focus in boutonniere and swan-neck deformities.

DIP Joint

Distal interphalangeal joint—the fingertip joint immobilized in mallet finger to regain extension.

Oval-8 Splint

Ring-style splint that blocks undesired motion (e.g., PIP hyperextension) while permitting the opposite direction of movement.

Trough Splint

Flat or U-shaped splint that cradles the finger to hold it in extension, commonly used for boutonniere deformity.

Anti-Deformity Position

The corrective alignment that opposes the deformity (e.g., PIP extension for boutonniere, slight PIP flexion for swan neck).

Immobilization Period

Typical 6–8 weeks of continuous splint wear required for tendon or ligament healing in finger deformities.

Activity Modification Education

Therapist instruction on how to perform daily tasks without disturbing the splinted finger to maintain healing.