Orthopedics-Online

Torn ligament on the finger

introduction

A finger has a variety of structures, such as ligaments, tendons and joint capsules, in order to fully perform its function. In everyday life and during sporting activity, the finger is often exposed to a high level of force, which the ligaments and tendons cannot always withstand. The consequence can be an overstretching or even a crack in the corresponding structure and the associated loss of function.

The ligaments on the finger can tear either in isolation or together with other structures, such as the joint capsule or the flexor tendons of the fingers. The part of the bone to which the ligament attaches can also tear off. In order to be able to move the finger again later without problems, a special therapy with follow-up treatment is required.

root cause

Since the fingers are exposed to great force in many different situations and ligament ruptures can always occur, there are accordingly many different causes.

A common cause of a torn ligament is a so-called impact trauma, especially when playing ball games. The ball hits the outstretched or tense finger with full force. Many ligaments are also taut in this position and threaten to tear if such a force is applied.

A fall, in which a finger can be involved for support, can also be a cause of a torn ligament. Other popular causes include pinching your finger in a door, for example, and cutting your finger while doing handicrafts. In addition, arbitrary violence can also lead to a torn ligament on the finger.

Learn more about the topic: Pain on the fingertip such as Pain in the index finger

Symptoms

A torn ligament on the finger primarily causes severe pain, especially if other structures were also injured in the context. The pain is mostly limited to the region of the torn ligament, but can also radiate into the immediately surrounding structures.

The pain can appear as persistent and movement-dependent pain. In addition, there is swelling, a bruise and the restriction of the function of the finger.

Do you also have a bruise on your finger? - Then read our article on that Bruise on the finger

Depending on where the torn ligament is, the finger can show different abnormalities. If it is on the joint and the capsular apparatus has also been affected (see also: Capsule tear on the finger), this joint is unstable, can often no longer be moved according to the norm and tends to dislocate or dislocate.

In addition to the loss of movement due to the torn ligament, new mobility can also arise, such as opening the finger to the side.

If the ligament tear is in the tendon area, the corresponding tendon is no longer attached to its original location and can no longer adequately perform its flexion or extension function. Moving your finger after the torn ligament will feel different and look abnormal because the tendon lacks the guide rail.

Depending on the course of the injury, an open wound can also occur, which can bleed profusely and should be treated surgically immediately in order to achieve problem-free healing. The swelling and pain in particular can persist for weeks despite therapy. It should be possible to remedy the restriction of movement once the treatment is successful.

You may also be interested in this article: Pain in the little finger

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Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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diagnosis

First of all, the Questioning the person concerned to the Course of injury can be of vital importance to the diagnosis. Then the diagnosis of the torn ligament can be made by a Examination of the finger With inspection, Scan and Examination of mobility get supported. In some cases a X-ray of the finger through which one can Torn ligament and further injuries can possibly represent better, even if a surgery becomes necessary.

therapy

The treatment of a torn ligament on the finger can be conservative, which means therapy without surgery, or surgically, depending on the extent of the injury and the external circumstances.

In the case of a simple and closed ligament tear, after the finger has been adjusted if necessary, it is usually immobilized for about two to three weeks in a special splint or bandage, then fixed and then mobilized again with physiotherapy.

The aim of immobilization is that the body has the opportunity to use its own repair mechanisms to repair the injury. The finger is fixed in a stretched position so that the ligament can grow together again over time. A splint made of plastic, plaster of paris or similar material or a stable bandage is suitable for fixation. When attaching the splint or bandage, it is essential to ensure a secure hold with good blood circulation at the same time and correct it if necessary.

After the immobilization, the finger should be mobilized again so that the structures on the finger, which may have been shortened by the fixation in the extended finger position, can maintain their function and there are no unwanted adhesions of the tissue. Furthermore, the finger should be spared for a while to guarantee complete healing. In some cases it can help if the finger is taped for stabilization or tied to the neighboring healthy finger.

If there is a complicated torn ligament or a torn ligament in combination with an open wound or with several accompanying injuries, an operation may also be necessary in which the torn ligament and other tissue injuries are sutured, the surrounding structures are restored and the wound is then closed .

As a rule, the finger is then immobilized and treated similarly to a closed ligament tear. During surgical treatment, antibiotic treatment may be used to prevent infection. In addition, pain therapy can always be undertaken in the event of a torn ligament in order to keep the patient's suffering as low as possible and to prevent the finger from being relieved during the process.

rail

A splint is a typical remedy for the conservative treatment of a torn ligament in the finger. The affected finger is placed in an extension splint so that the finger can no longer be bent. The finger is clearly overstretched.

The splints are made of plastic, for example thermoplastic acrylic resin, and the finger is simply attached to them with plaster strips or Velcro.

Tear ligament surgery on the finger

surgery is often necessary for difficult ligament tears and accompanying injuries

An operation (OP) to treat a torn ligament is particularly recommended if there is a displacement of the structures, which can only be pushed back into the correct position when open, or if the torn ligament has an accompanying bone injury.

After the finger has been adjusted again, if necessary, the torn ligament can be sutured. The bony structures can also be supplied with a wire or screws.

The tendon and capsular apparatus can be supplied with a suture. After the wound has been closed with a suture, the finger is immobilized and treated like a closed ligament tear, as the healing process takes time here too.

Usually, however, a conservative, i.e. non-surgical, method is sufficient for a simple torn ligament on the finger. Pain therapy is recommended in any case, as injuries to the finger can be very uncomfortable.

Tape the torn ligament

The Taping can be used both for therapy as well as for Prophylaxis of a torn ligament are used. Again Tape bandage is attached depends on Use and the Localization of the ligament tear from. He can on the Extensor side of the affected finger with train be attached so that bending is avoided. At Swelling of the finger joint through the torn ligament can with Eight loops this area can be left out at the same time stabilization. In general, however, it is best to contact an expert in this regard so that the taping is used correctly and does not harm.

It is important that the finger is supplied with sufficient blood despite the tape bandage and does not hurt. Taping has two effects. On the one hand stabilized it the finger on the affected area. On the other hand, the association stimulates the Skin receptors in the region at what the Accelerate healing should. Since the tape bandage is right without any complications is in the application and can be used in many ways, it is quite popular with those affected.

Read more about the topic here: Tap your fingers

Torn ligament on the thumb

All fingers are fixed by ligament structures so that every finger, including the thumb, can be affected by a torn ligament.

A torn ligament on the thumb typically results from direct violence in which the thumb is splayed sharply to one side. The ulnar collateral ligament, a collateral ligament of the thumb joint, is typically affected. Since a torn ligament on the thumb is often associated with skiing accidents, the torn ligament on the thumb is also known as the ski thumb.

A torn ligament on the thumb can be very painful and cause further damage, such as broken bones and other ligament or tendon injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, conservative treatment or surgery may occur. If the thumb is completely torn, surgery is performed early.

Duration

The time it takes for a torn ligament to heal depends on the person Extent of injury very different. Basically, a Immobilization about three weeks should at least be maintained so that the ends of the torn tape can grow back on. Until the tape is completely back stable, painless and working is can up to three months pass away. The duration, however, depends on the therapy of the ligament rupture and is determined by a good cooperation from the patient positively influenced.

forecast

Usually a torn ligament heals after sufficient Protection, more correct Immobilization and one Aftercare without consequences, provided there are no serious ones Accompanying injuries on the finger. However, symptoms such as swelling and pain can persist for several weeks. The prognosis for a bless you and agility the finger after a torn ligament is still good. If no therapy is undertaken, it can definitely lead to instability and Restriction of movement of the finger come.

Stiff fingers after a torn ligament - what to do?

Often the finger feels stiff after a ligament tear. During the treatment, the affected finger is held in an extended position for a long time. The joint can stiffen.

Physiotherapy with specific exercises after removing the splint is therefore important. You should ask your doctor about exercises and do them regularly.

If the feeling of stiffness occurs much later, you can visit the doctor again and ask for an examination. Depending on the cause of the stiffness, for example pseudoarthrosis, different treatment options can be considered.

At the same time, if the torn ligament is not treated, the finger can become stiff after a torn ligament. An untreated crack in the bath in one finger increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the corresponding finger.

prophylaxis

Especially in the Sports a comprehensive prophylaxis of a torn ligament is carried out. This includes stretching and stabilizing the finger with one Tape bandagewhich of course can also be helpful in everyday life apart from sport. Otherwise there is nothing more you can do than take good care of your fingers.

Appointment with ?

I would be happy to advise you!

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You will find me:

Lumedis - orthopedic surgeons
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main

You can make an appointment here.
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.