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Interphalangeal Collateral Ligament Sprain, Sports Medicine

Lindsay A. Lafferty, MD, Shawn Phillips, MD, MSPT and Matthew L. Silvis, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Injury to a collateral ligament at the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the finger, usually the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint:

    • 1st degree: pain but no laxity

    • 2nd degree: pain and l...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Finger struck by player or ball during play

  • Axial trauma causing forced ulnar or radial deviation

  • Usually presents acutely but may become chronic

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Pain and swelling over radi...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Immobilization:

    • Guided by level of activity, degree of pain, and disability

    • Mild injures may be “buddy taped,” and patient may consider immediate return to play depending on fu...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Follow up in 1 to 2 wk for reevaluation of laxity.

  • Refer significant fractures for possible ORIF 4[C].

  • If uncertain of possible central slip/volar plate injury, ref...

REFERENCES

1
Carruthers KH, Skie M, Jain M. Jam Injuries of the finger: diagnosis and management of injuries to the interphalangeal joints across multiple sports and levels of experience. Sports Health...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Alexy C, De Carlo M. Rehabilitation and use of protective devices in hand and wrist injuries. Clin Sports Med.  1998;17(3):635–655.

  • Palmer RE. Joint injuries of the hand in athl...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Ensure active ROM in all affected and surrounding joints to rule out more significant ligamentous injuries.

  • Return to play depends on severity and demands of sport, but frequently, imme...

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