Distal Phalanx Fractures: What Athletes Should Know
Key Points
- Common, representing about 10% of all fractures
- Most will not require surgery
- Can be associated with extensor or flexor tendon injuries
- Sometimes a fingernail or nail bed injury can occur too
Condition
- Fracture typically occurs as a result of trauma
- Can be the result of a crush injury of the finger tip
- Can occur at the base, shaft, and tuft
- Xray is needed to confirm the diagnosis
Symptoms
- Tenderness along the fracture
- Finger pain, swelling, bruising
- Deformities may be present if displaced
- Loss of range of motion
- Look for “rotation” of finger
Treatment
- If the fracture is nondisplaced, it can be treated with a splint
- Some distal phalanx fractures that are angulated or rotated need surgery
- Finger range of motion typically begins around the second week from the fracture
