jersey finger


jersey finger

rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon insertio, so called because it often occurs in athletes who have grasped the sporting jersey of an opponent.
An avulsion (often with fragment of bone) and retraction of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) insertion in the distal phalangeal base. 75% of cases occur in the ring finger—which is weaker than the middle finger
Aetiology Grabbing an opponent’s jersey during a tackle—rugby, American football—or a fight—ice hockey players who have removed their gloves
Evaluation Test isolated DIP joint flexion in all digits; the inability to flex the DIP joint is pathognomic of a jersey finger
Classification Leddy-Packer system, Types I-IV, based on level of tendon retraction and presence and severity of fracture
Management DIP arthrodesis (preferred) or tendon grafting (less preferred due to potential complications)
Complications Unstable DIP joint, stiffness, loss of ROM, loss of fixation, weak pinch and grip strength, infection, eurovascular injury

jer·sey fin·ger

(jĕr'zē fing'gĕr) Avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon from the distal phalanx due to abrupt passive extension of the actively flexed finger.

jersey finger

A traumatic avulsion of the insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus, caused by a forceful extension motion during an active muscular contraction. It is commonly seen in football players: a tackler grabs an opponent's jersey, and the opponent pulls the jersey out of the tackler's hand. See also: finger