History of Present Illness:

A man in his mid 20’s with a history of type 1 diabetes and JRA presents to the ED for 1-2 weeks of gradually worsening finger deformity after an injury at football practice.  He said he hyperextended the whole finger.  It’s not really painful but is a bit swollen and is gradually getting stiffer.

Vital Signs & Physical Exam:

See finger below.  Flexion was limited to about 20% of normal at the PIP joint.  He could not extend the DIP joint

Initial Diagnostic Testing:

  • Imaging: x-ray of finger was normal

 

What does the image show?

  • A) Mallet finger
  • B) Boutonniere deformity
  • C) Swan neck deformity
  • D) Jersey finger

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS & 1-MINUTE CONSULT

 

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What does the image show?

  • A) Mallet finger – Very Close – looks similar but this is a bit hyperextended at the PIP joint and his PIP flexion was limited
  • B) Boutonniere deformity – would be forced flexion at PIP and extension at DIP
  • C) Swan neck deformity – CORRECT
  • D) Jersey finger – inability to fully flex DIP joint

CASE CONCLUSION: splinted in extension and had f/u arranged with ortho hand