Jersey Finger Explained
By Heather Lopez, CHT
Jersey Finger Explained
A flexor tendon injury typical of an athlete who plays contact sports. In sports such as football or rugby this injury is known as Jersey Finger. This injury occurs when a player grasps an opponent’s shirt and the opponent struggles to break free. The flexed finger of the player is forced into a hyper extended position causing the tendon to snap away from the bone. Seventy five percent of these injuries occur in the ring finger. In other words, the ring finger has the least amount of movement on its own as compared to the rest of the hand.
Jersey Finger of the Hand Explained
Jersey Finger is often mistaken for a” jammed” digit. Early evaluation of the injury is important if the tendon has completely torn away from the bone. To test for a ruptured tendon, the MD will isolate the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) of the digit by blocking all the movement the finger except for the tip. If the tip is unable to bend toward the palm, the tendon is ruptured. Pain can also be felt right over the joint line toward the tip of the finger when pressure is applied.
Surgical repair is necessary if no movement is detected. A patient will then be placed into a splint for 4 to 6 weeks. The therapist will instruct the patient on range of motion (ROM) exercises and strengthening when appropriate. Activity is usually limited until about 12 weeks.
If you want to learn more about Jersey Finger, go to this link to watch a video – https://www.joionline.net/library/show/jersey_finger_injury_video/
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