JERSEY FINGER

JERSEY FINGER - Jersey Finger represents rupture of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus. This usually happens when an athlete grabbing an opponent's shirt undergoes forced extension of the DIP while it is flexed. For this reason, it is called "grasping jersey finger" or "rugby finger". The ring finger is involved more often. The rupture of the FDP tendon from its insertion on the distal phalanx known as Jersey Finger is often misdiagnosed as a sprained or jammed finger, as there is no characteristic deformity associated with it.

The injury is typically caused by forceful passive extension while the flexor digitorum profundus muscle is contracting. A common example is in football when the flexed finger is caught in a jersey while the athlete is attempting to make a tackle; hence the term jersey finger.Jersey finger symptoms include pain in the finger tip and inability to bend the finger normally although it can still be forced into a bended position. Tenderness on the pad of the finger will be present along with swelling and bruising which may develop later in the finger tip. It may be possible to feel the tendon as a bunched up soft mass on the palm side of the hand.

• A pop or rip felt in the finger at the time of the injury
• Tenderness, swelling and warmth of the injured finger
• Pain when moving the injured finger and the inability to bend the last joint
• Occasionally a lump felt in the palm of the finger
• Bruising after 48 hours