Finger Injuries in Sports

Sports-related finger injuries are common, especially in basketball and American football. Finger dislocations mainly involve the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. The diagnosis typically follows a jamming injury, often reducible in the field, leading to swelling and restricted mobility. Dorsal dislocations present with an extended posture, while fractures exhibit a flexed posture. Classifications include dorsal, volar, and lateral proximal interphalangeal (PIP) dislocations. The examination involves assessing collateral ligaments and volar plate integrity. Imaging includes X-rays to evaluate the extent of involvement. Prevention strategies focus on immobilization, and joint reduction techniques vary based on the dislocation type. Conservative treatments emphasize avoiding hinge mechanisms and restoring normal glide mechanisms. Surgical options range from K-wire immobilization for mallet finger injuries to internal fixation for PIP fracture-dislocations. Postoperative rehabilitation prioritizes edema control and sport-specific conditioning for a successful return to sports within 6–8 weeks for nonoperative cases and after 4–8 weeks for surgical interventions.