Summary
The so-called locked finger is a rarely reported condition that can be easily recognized when its typical picture is borne in mind: painful locking of a finger, making it impossible to fully extend the metacarpophalangeal joint, and a lateral displacement of the extensor tendon at this level. Radiological findings may include abnormal shape of the metacarpal head, free intra-articular bodies, sesamoid bones at the volar plate level and degenerative changes in the metacarpophalangeal joint. There is consistently a previous history of repeated light manual effort. This condition generally affects men, aged 50 or older. Two of the three cases presented (three of the four affected fingers) were successfully treated by means of gentle manipulation under regional nerve blocking. The patient who refused treatment remains with a painless locked finger 1 year later. There has been no recurrence with either of the two manipulated patients (three fingers).
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Guly HR, Azam MA (1982) Locked finger treated by manipulation. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 64:73–75
Harvey FJ (1974) Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joints. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 56:156–159
Iftikhar TB, Hallmann BW, Kaninski RS, Ray AK (1984) Spontaneous rupture of the extensor mechanism causing ulnar dislocation of the long extensor tendon of the long finger. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 66:1108–1109
Langenskiöld A (1949) Habitual locking of a metacarpophalangeal joint by a collateral ligament: a rare cause of trigger finger. Acta Chir Scand 99:73–78
Yancey HA Jr, Howard LD Jr (1962) Locking at the metacarpophalangeal joint. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 44:380–382
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vernet, A.B., Lopez-Sicilia, S. & Villas, C. Metacarpophalangeal subluxation: Locked finger. Arch. Orth. Traum. Surg. 104, 339–341 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00454426
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00454426