A dislocated finger is a common hand injury where one of the finger joints is forced out of its normal position. These injuries are often painful and the finger usually appears bent or deformed immediately after the injury. Whilst many finger dislocations can be successfully treated without surgery, associated fractures or ligament injuries may require specialist assessment and treatment.
Mr Robert Farnell is an experienced specialist Consultant Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon who has been working in Leeds for over 25 years. He exclusively treats conditions affecting the adult hand and wrist, including finger dislocations, finger fractures, ligament injuries and hand trauma.
What is a dislocated finger?
A finger dislocation occurs when the bones forming a finger joint are forced out of their normal alignment. The injury usually affects the supporting ligaments and surrounding soft tissues, and may also be associated with a fracture.
The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint), which is the middle joint of the finger, is the joint most commonly affected. However, any of the finger joints can become dislocated.
What causes a finger dislocation?
Finger dislocations most commonly occur when the finger is forcibly bent backwards or sideways during an injury.
Typical causes include:
- Falls onto the hand
- Sporting injuries, particularly from a cricket ball, rugby or basketball
- Direct impact to the fingertip
- Workplace accidents
The force of the injury can damage the joint capsule, ligaments and occasionally the surrounding tendons or bones.
Symptoms of a dislocated finger
Symptoms usually develop immediately after the injury and commonly include:
- Sudden severe finger pain
- Visible deformity
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving the finger
- Tenderness around the injured joint
The finger often appears bent or out of alignment and movement is usually extremely painful until the joint has been relocated.
Can a dislocated finger be put back into place?
If appropriate, a dislocated finger may occasionally be reduced immediately by gently applying traction along the length of the finger.
Successful reduction is often accompanied by:
- A noticeable "clunk" as the joint returns to its normal position
- Correction of the deformity
- Immediate reduction in pain
If the joint cannot be safely reduced, it should be treated in the Emergency Department where reduction can be performed under appropriate pain relief.
How is a dislocated finger diagnosed?
Clinical examination usually confirms the diagnosis.
An X-ray is recommended even after the finger has been successfully relocated because finger dislocations are sometimes associated with fractures that may alter treatment.
Your surgeon will also assess whether there has been any injury to the joint ligaments, tendons or surrounding soft tissues.
Find out what to expect at your outpatient appointment.
Treatment for a dislocated finger
Non-surgical treatment
The majority of finger dislocations do not require surgery.
Treatment usually involves buddy strapping, where the injured finger is strapped to the adjacent finger. This protects the joint whilst allowing gentle movement, which helps reduce stiffness during recovery.
Early mobilisation is encouraged because prolonged immobilisation can lead to significant finger stiffness.
Surgical treatment
A small number of finger dislocations require surgery.
Surgery may be recommended if:
- A fracture is associated with the dislocation
- The joint remains unstable after reduction
- The ligaments have been severely damaged
- The joint cannot be satisfactorily reduced
The exact procedure depends on the pattern of injury and may involve repair of damaged ligaments, fixation of fractures or stabilisation of the joint.
Recovery after a finger dislocation
Most patients begin gentle movement shortly after the injury.
Swelling and stiffness are extremely common during recovery and should be expected. Improvement is gradual and continues for many months.
Hand therapy or physiotherapy may occasionally be recommended to restore movement and reduce stiffness.
Read more about post-operative care.
Possible complications
Most finger dislocations heal well without long-term problems. However, some patients experience:
- Persistent swelling
- Finger stiffness
- Reduced finger movement
- Ligament laxity
- Joint instability (uncommon)
- Post-traumatic arthritis following more severe injuries
Prognosis
The outlook following a finger dislocation is generally excellent.
Most patients regain good hand function and return to normal activities. It is common for swelling and stiffness to continue improving for up to 18 months after the injury.
Many patients notice a small permanent loss of the final few degrees of finger extension. Fortunately, this rarely causes any meaningful limitation in hand function.
Injured or dislocated your finger?
If you have sustained a finger injury and the joint appears deformed, swollen or remains painful after reduction, Mr Robert Farnell can assess your finger and advise whether further treatment is required.
Dislocated Finger FAQs
What is a dislocated finger?
A dislocated finger occurs when the bones forming one of the finger joints move out of their normal position following an injury.
Which finger joint is most commonly dislocated?
The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, which is the middle joint of the finger, is the joint most commonly affected.
Should I have an X-ray after a finger dislocation?
Yes. An X-ray is recommended to confirm the joint has been successfully reduced and to identify any associated fractures.
Do all finger dislocations need surgery?
No. Most finger dislocations can be treated successfully with reduction, buddy strapping and early movement.
What is buddy strapping?
Buddy strapping involves taping the injured finger to the neighbouring finger to provide support whilst allowing safe movement during healing.
How long does a dislocated finger take to recover?
Although the joint stabilises relatively quickly, swelling and stiffness commonly continue to improve for up to 18 months.
Will my finger be completely straight again?
Many patients regain almost full movement. A small permanent loss of the final few degrees of extension is common but rarely affects hand function.