Sport Highlight – Jersey Finger

In our fingers we have two flexor tendons that help pull our fingers down into a fist. The Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) tendon bends the very tip of our finger (at the distal interphalangeal joint) and the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) bends our finger from the middle joint (proximal interphalangeal joint).

Jersey fingers occur when the FDP tendon is pulled away from the bone (avulsed). This usually occurs in contact sports such as rugby or football or even rockclimbing. This happens when a player is gripping forcefully on another players jersey, while they are trying to run away, so their finger is violently pulled straight while trying to grip simultaneously – this counterforce can cause the tendon to come away from its insertion point at the tip of the finger – hence the name Jersey Finger!

The result of this is a finger that no longer bends from the tip. Sometimes when this happens there may be a popping sensation, or it may be painful, swollen and sometimes bruised.

This injury can happen on any finger, though it most commonly affects the ring finger.

This is an injury that requires surgical intervention where the tendon is reattached to the bone. This then requires a specific period of rehabilitation and hand therapy. Getting an early diagnosis and therefore treatment can have a positive impact on the post-surgical outcome. Post operative hand therapy involves wearing a protective custom splint to protect the surgical repair, plus specific and graded exercises that balances movement and gliding of the tendon while preventing it from re-rupturing as it heals.

Jersey fingers that go untreated will not heal on their own, and this can result in reduced grip strength, permanent reduced range of motion and dexterity.

If you notice a loss of flexion at the tip of your finger you may have ruptured your flexor tendon. If this is the case it may be worthwhile booking in with a hand therapist ASAP to assess this and guide further!

Written by Brodie Aburrow