Important Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Information: Learn More

We are maintaining regular hours and performing surgeries once again.

Orthopaedics New Englad
  • (203) 598-0700
  • Request An Appointment
    MENUMENU
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Providers
      • John M. Keggi, MD
      • Robert Edward Kennon, MD
      • James T. Prado, DC
    • Services & Specialties
      • - Hip
        Hip Arthritis
        Non-Operative Hip Treatment
        Hip Replacement & Hip Resurfacing

        - Knee
        Knee Arthritis
        Non-Operative Knee Treatment
        Knee Arthroscopy
        Knee Replacement

        - Revision Joint Replacement Surgery

        - Chiropractic
        Chiropractic Services
        Evolution of Chiropractic
        Holistic Philosophy

    • What to Expect
      • Day of Surgery
      • Post Surgery
    • Patient Information
    • Contact & Locations
    MENUMENU
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Providers
      • John M. Keggi, MD
      • Robert Edward Kennon, MD
      • James T. Prado, DC
    • Services & Specialties
      • - Hip
        Hip Arthritis
        Non-Operative Hip Treatment
        Hip Replacement & Hip Resurfacing

        - Knee
        Knee Arthritis
        Non-Operative Knee Treatment
        Knee Arthroscopy
        Knee Replacement

        - Revision Joint Replacement Surgery

        - Chiropractic
        Chiropractic Services
        Evolution of Chiropractic
        Holistic Philosophy

    • What to Expect
      • Day of Surgery
      • Post Surgery
    • Patient Information
    • Contact & Locations

    Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

    Boutonniere Deformity - Finger Deformity

    Back to Patient Education
    • Introduction
    • Anatomy
    • Causes
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Surgery
    • Recovery
    • Prevention

    Introduction

    A boutonniere deformity occurs when the tendon that straightens the middle joint of your finger is injured, weakened or stretched.  The injury allows the middle finger joint to bend (flex) and the end finger joint to pull back and hyperextend.  This makes the finger appear crooked. 

    A boutonniere deformity can cause pain and loss of function.  Treatments include splinting, hand therapy, and surgery.  When treated promptly, conditions tend to have the best outcomes.

    Back to top

    Anatomy

    Your fingers are made up of three bones called phalanges.  Two joints separate the phalanges.  The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints are located near your fingertips.  The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints are located in the middle of your fingers.  The extensor tendons allow your fingers to extend and straighten.  
    Back to top

    Causes

    A boutonniere deformity occurs when the extensor tendon attachment at the central slip on the middle phalanx is injured.  The PIP joint is not able to straighten and remains bent (flexed).  The DIP joint is pulled back into hyperextension by the extensor mechanism that has become out of balance.  This results in a crooked and poorly functioning finger. 
     
    Arthritis, burns, Dupuytren’s contracture, and injuries, can disrupt the extensor tendon.  The tendon may partially or completely tear.  The extensor tendon can remain intact but pull a piece of bone away from where it attaches on the phalanx, also called an avulsion fracture.
    Back to top

    Symptoms

    A boutonniere deformity can cause your PIP joint to feel painful and swollen.  You may not be able to straighten out your PIP joint.  Your DIP joint may be hyperextended, causing your finger to look crooked.
    Back to top

    Diagnosis

    Your doctor can diagnose a boutonniere deformity by examining your hand.  X-rays will be taken to check for  fractures and the condition of the joints. 
    Back to top

    Treatment

    Some boutonniere deformities can be treated with splinting.  Splinting can help certain new and old injuries.  There are many types of splints for boutonniere deformities.  Hand therapy is especially important to ease symptoms and gain functioning.  Splinting is usually tried for at least six weeks.
    Back to top

    Surgery

    Surgery may be necessary to reconstruct a tendon or joint.  If past treatments and surgery fail, the bones in the finger can be surgically fused together and kept from moving.  All types of surgeries are followed by splinting and hand therapy.
    Back to top

    Recovery

    Recovery from boutonniere deformity surgery can take three to four months.  It can take up to six months for a full recovery.  Recovery is individualized and your doctor will let you know what to expect.
    Back to top

    Prevention

    You should contact your doctor if you notice you are developing a boutonniere deformity.  In most cases, early treatment is associated with the best outcomes.  Following treatment, your hand therapist can recommend ways to perform your regular activities to help you avoid future injuries. 
    Back to top

    Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

    This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

    The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

    Footer

    Patient Education

    Our award-winning patient education library contains over 200 articles with images, videos, and tons of helpful information about orthopedic conditions and treatments.

    Learn more

    Patient Reviews

    We feel fortunate to have received reflections from our patients. We invite you to leave a review as well as read about the experiences others have had.

    • Leave a Review
    • Read Reviews

    Blogs and Social Media

    View our Blogs and Social Media

    Hip and Knee Surgery

    A Patient's Guide to Hip Replacement, Hip Resurfacing, Knee Replacement, and Knee Arthroscopy.

    Preview this book and order online on Amazon.

    Locations

    We have three offices conveniently located throughout western Connecticut:
    ● Middlebury, CT ● Farmington, CT ● New Milford CT

    Privacy Policy ● Sitemap

    Copyright © Orthopaedics New England. All rights reserved.

    iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

    Orthopaedics New England provides orthopedic care to residents of Waterbury, Middlebury, New Milford, Farmington, and surrounding communities in western Connecticut. Our orthopedic surgeons, Dr. John Keggi and Dr. Robert Kennon specialize in hip replacement and resurfacing, knee replacement, revision of failed joint replacements, hip and knee arthroscopy, and adult fracture care.