ORTHOPEDICS/HAND & WRIST/FINGER DISORDERS
A jersey finger (most commonly seen in full contact activities) is a damage occurring to one of the finger tendons. Classically, an athlete will endure a jersey finger damage while contributing in confronting games such as football or rugby.
A jersey occurs when a player clutches an opponent’s jersey and the tendon can get ripped when the opponent yanks away the jersey from the player’s clutch.
Jersey Finger Damage/Signs
A jersey finger is a flexor tendon damage.
To remind, the flexor tendon is the tendon that pulls the fingers toward the palm when the flexor muscles of the forearm are contracted.
The damage begins at the finger’s tip when the tendon is snapped back (almost like a rubber band) to the finger base or even the hand palm.
When a flexor tendon is damaged, the finger will unbend abnormally while all of the other fingers will remain somewhat flexed. The damaged finger is immobilized, unable to curve toward the palm, along with pain and soreness.
Note that some damages kinds are the most complicated to diagnose and, if kept without therapy, they may lead to a complete fracture.
Surgical Therapy
Surgery is seldom recommended to restore a flexor tendon entire tear of.
Surgery process involves:
- Locating the tendon at the base of the finger or in the palm
- Stringing the tendon through the finger into the natural position
- Reattaching tightly the tendon to the finger tip
The final task is restoring the entire motion range.
Classically, the tendon is reattached by drilling small holes into the bone. Once the tendon is secured, the junctions are pulled, first through the bone and then through the fingernail, and tied together on the back of the finger.
In some cases, Binding, physical therapy, and a structured workout program may be enough to allow the damage heal and reaching full recovery without the need of any surgical intervention.
Post-Surgical Restoration
A hand therapist will be helpful to assist regaining the finger motion after the surgery, because the flexor tendons tend to become inflexible and damaged.
Do not forget that healing may take up to two months and an additional month or two before regaining the normal state.