Boutonniere Deformity

BOUTONNIERE DEFORMITY

Boutonnière Deformity describes the way your finger is bent—the middle joint bends down and won’t straighten while the fingertip bends back at the end joint. Boutonnière Deformity can occur when the finger is jammed or crushed and the middle finger bone tears through the part of the tendon that inserts into the finger bone, leaving a hole the bone can extend through, like a buttonhole (or boutonnière in French.)

The tendons and ligaments that usually straighten the middle finger joint bend it down instead. These same tendons and ligaments now cause the fingertip to bends backwards beyond normal range. Arthritis, as well as a genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can also cause Boutonnière Deformity.

For more information on Boutonniere Deformity, check out our blog - Treating Boutonniere Deformity

Symptoms

• You have pain and/or swelling on top of the middle finger joint right after an injury or up to three weeks following that injury

• You can’t straighten the finger at the middle joint

• You can’t bend your fingertip down
  
  

What Can I Do About It?

If left untreated, what seemed like "just a jammed finger" can become a long-term deformity not easily corrected with therapy or even surgery. The best treatment for a Boutonniere Deformity is early treatment with appropriate splinting or casting. Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with the pain and swelling. Ignoring the symptoms will not make Boutonnière Deformity go away. It is best to seek medical treatment early, especially if your symptoms persist.

Finger Splints That Can Help