HAND THERAPY TREATMENT

Finger Dislocation Volar Plate TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you have seen some swelling and weakness in a dislocated finger that looks short or out of shape, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

•Within 24 hours
•Urgent care required

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray

MANAGEMENT

Thermoplastic Water proof orthosis – Dorsal blocking water proof orthosis. 6 weeks splinting. AROM. Wean to Thermoplastic Buddy water proof orthosis

WHAT IS FINGER DISLOCATION VOLAR PLATE?

Finger Dislocation is when the joint is knocked out either by a ball or a force. This damages the ligaments (volar plate) and can lead to a flexion deformity. Early splinting and treatment can prevent this.

Dislocation occurs most commonly in sports, where a finger is either bent to far backwards or pushed forwards with a lot of force.

SYMPTOMS OF FINGER DISLOCATION VOLAR PLATE

If your finger is fully dislocated it will more than likely be extremely painful, your finger may look short or out of shape. You will also experience swelling around the area and weakness in that finger. If you finger ‘goes back in’, this is normal, but you will still experiencing soreness and swelling.

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for. At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treating dislocated finger volar plates.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treating dislocated finger volar plates.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

View the video below to learn more about what causes finger dislocations in sports and how Action Rehab protects and rehabilitates the finger after injury.

HAND THERAPY & CENTRAL SLIP INJURY

Following thorough assessment and discussion regarding the details of your injury, the therapist at The Hands Physio will customise a splint to keep the middle joint of your finger straight. This allows the tendon or fracture to heal in the optimal position, and is required for a period of up to 6-8 weeks. This timeline is determined by your hand therapist and based on a number of factors including the specifics of your injury, the timescales of your injury along with your individual functional needs and goals.

Once your tendon or fracture has been assessed as healed enough to safely move through range, your therapist will provide you with an exercises program and advise on how to successfully and safely ween from your splint. Ongoing discussion regarding your functional goals will allow your therapist to provide you with a range of motion and strengthening program specifically tailored to your needs.

What happens if I don't get treatment for my central slip injury?

If you do not get treatment for a central slip injury, the middle joint of the finger will not be able to straighten without help and may stiffen into a boutonniere position. This deformity is more difficult to fix and requires a much longer period of immobilisation in a splint in order to correct the imbalance of the soft tissues. A central slip injury will not heal optimally on its own.

FINGER DISLOCATION TREATMENT

Finger dislocation treatment management is really simple. Generally the hand therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio will assess your xrays and understand the mechanism of your dislocation. Treatment will consist of a small dorsal finger splint for a period of up to 6 weeks.

Once your dislocation has stabilised then the Action Rehab hand therapist will advise you on a stretching and strengthening program that will allow you to return to full function. The aim being to return you to sport, work or every day activities as soon as possible.

Does A Finger Dislocation Require Surgery?

Generally speaking, a Finger dislocation should not require surgery unless the joint is severely displaced or it remains untreated for too long before seeking appropriate Hand Therapy treatment then you may require surgery.

To minimise complications you should consult a Hand Therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio as soon as possible to have your finger assessed and appropriately treated. This will minimise complications further down the track, helping you return you to sport and full function sooner.

Fig. 1 - Basic Treatment

A metal splint being used to treat a finger dislocation. However, it does not allow a full range of motion.

Fig. 2: The Hands Physio Treatment

Your Hand Therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio will provide you with a comfortable finger splint to treat injury. It is lightweight, water resistant and allows full range of motion whilst protecting the finger and allowing the dislocation or fracture to heal.

TREATMENT OF FINGER DISLOCATION OR SPRAINED FINGER

Finger dislocations and knocks are often referred to a sprained finger. These are common in ball sports where a player or a ball disrupts the ligaments or the tendons in the finger joints. The finger can be bent backwards or sideways and may or may not be able to be put back in place. This might result in a volar plate ligament, small fracture or collateral ligament injury that is best treated early with Hand Therapy.

Delayed treatment may result in a stiff and deformed finger that may not be functional leading to further complications.

Volar Plate dislocation is the result of a rupture (or small fracture) of the stabilising ligament that sits on the palm side of the joint. It is usually caused by forced extension or a sideways push of the finger when hit by a ball or caught in a jumper. A small lightweight, customised, water resistant splint or orthosis can help stabilise the fracture or ligament injury and allow the joint to heal without deformity.

Strained or Fractured Fingers can be a big problem in sport. Patients generally have difficulty bending and straightening their hand and fingers which makes catching and throwing hard or almost impossible. If the injury is referred and treated early it can significantly decrease complications and you can return to sport or function much sooner.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR FINGER DISLOCATION VOLAR PLATE

At The Hands Physio, our dedicated Hand Therapist, Physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists possess extensive expertise in evaluating Finger Dislocations and Volar Plate avulsions.

We prioritize a thorough assessment of your condition and will customize a splinting and strengthening program specifically for your dislocated finger. Annually, we treat hundreds of patients, and our targeted strengthening and stabilization program can help alleviate symptoms of Finger Dislocation and Volar Plate injuries, enabling you to return to sports and daily activities more swiftly.

To book an appointment please call us at (02) 9743 4672 or schedule your appointment online.

FINGER DISLOCATION VOLAR PLATE FAQS

How is a finger dislocation caused?

It occurs due to a traumatic force applied from any direction, which can result from either a blunt impact or a twisting motion affecting the finger. This force may dislocate the joint, harm the ligaments, or even lead to a minor fracture.

How common is it?

Finger dislocations rank among the most frequently encountered injuries treated by Hand Therapists. At Action Rehab, our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists collaborate with numerous athletes, making finger dislocations one of the most prevalent injuries we address.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery often depends on how long the symptoms have been present before you seek treatment. Basically don’t delay! If a Finger Disloaction is treated early then it can be stabilised quickly and prevented from becoming a deformity that limits hand function.

Will a finger dislocation require surgery?

In certain instances, the dislocation can be so severe that surgical intervention may be necessary. The Hand Therapists at Action Rehab are skilled in assessing and diagnosing finger dislocations. If surgery is needed, your Hand Therapist can recommend the most suitable surgeon to address your injury.

Is it a serious condition?

A Finger Dislocation is a painful condition that can lead to long term complications if left untreated. Generally, it is easy to treat. Strengthening and stabilisation will help manage the injury and return you to full function.

Will a finger dislocation go away if left untreated?

In most cases, the problem can become quite severe and there can be long term scarring and you may develop what is called a fixed flexion deformity. These are difficult to treat and may remain long after the injury occurs. Don’t wait for it to “go away’, seek treatment with Action Rehab The Hands Physio as soon as you can to avoid deformity and complications and return to sport and function as soon as you can.