Flexor Digitorum Tendon Rupture (Football or Jersey Finger)

What is Flexor Digitorum Tendon Rupture (Football or Jersey Finger)?

Jersey Finger is a specific type of hand injury characterised by the rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon, which is located near its attachment point at the distal phalanx, or the end bone of the finger.

This tendon plays a critical role in bending the finger, and damage to it can severely impact hand function. The injury is commonly associated with high-impact sports, especially football, which is where the name “Jersey Finger” originates. It typically occurs when a player attempts to grab an opponent’s jersey, resulting in a sudden force that causes the finger to extend backward and the tendon to rupture.

Causes of Jersey Finger

The primary cause of Jersey Finger is a sudden, forceful pull or stress on the fingertip. The injury is particularly common in sports where players frequently use their hands to grab or tackle, such as:

Football: When a player tries to grab an opponent’s jersey, the sudden, forceful pull can lead to the rupture of the FDP tendon.
Rugby: Similar to football, the physical nature of rugby often results in similar injuries.
Other Contact Sports: Any sport involving vigorous hand use and physical contact can potentially cause Jersey Finger.

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

Jersey Finger presents with several key symptoms that are symptomatic of tendon rupture:

Pain: Immediate and intense pain at the tip of the affected finger following the injury.
Swelling and Bruising: Noticeable swelling and bruising at the fingertip, often accompanied by tenderness.
Inability to Bend the Finger: A significant sign of Jersey Finger is the inability to flex the fingertip. The finger may remain extended and unmovable at the distal joint.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosis of Jersey Finger involves a comprehensive physical examination and imaging studies. Key steps in the diagnostic process include:

Physical Examination: Our Baulkham Hills Chiropractors will assess the range of motion, pain level, and overall function of the finger.
Imaging Studies: X-rays or MRI scans may be used to confirm the rupture of the FDP tendon and assess the extent of the injury.

Treatment Options

Effective management of Jersey Finger is crucial for restoring finger function and preventing long-term disability. Treatment options include:

Immediate Care: Initial treatment involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical Intervention: Given that Jersey Finger involves a tendon rupture, surgical repair is often required. The procedure involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone and may include using stitches or anchors.
Rehabilitation: Post-surgery, physical therapy is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected finger. Rehabilitation exercises will focus on restoring normal finger movement and function. Our Baulkham Hills Chiropractors provide expert and personalised rehab programmes for each of our patients and their conditions.

Prevention Strategies

While Jersey Finger is difficult to prevent entirely, especially in contact sports, the following strategies can reduce the risk:

Protective Gear: Use appropriate hand and finger protection, such as padded gloves, during sports and physical activities.
Proper Technique: Learn and apply proper techniques for gripping and tackling to reduce the risk of injury.
Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform hand and finger strengthening exercises to improve tendon resilience and overall hand function.

Conclusion

Understanding Jersey Finger is important for both prevention and effective management. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly impact recovery and return to normal activities. With timely intervention and proper rehabilitation, individuals can regain full function of their fingers and reduce the long-term effects.

Does this sound like a condition you are suffering from? We offer services that can aid in your recovery! Call (02) 9639 7337 or visit our website to book an appointment now!

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2018. Overview of Orthopedic Disorders. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459181/ [Accessed 6 August 2024].

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