[Hyperextension trauma of the finger]

In 2 patients, a man aged 30 and a woman aged 31, a hyperextension trauma of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right index finger and the left middle finger respectively was diagnosed. The man underwent surgery for volar plate rupture in the acute phase. The woman presented 7 weeks after the trauma with a chronic flexion contracture; she had an avulsion fracture of the second phalanx and was treated conservatively with splints and exercise therapy. The hyperextension trauma of the proximal interphalangeal joint of a finger is one of the most frequently occurring hand traumas. In the more severe cases, there can be substantial damage to the structures ofthe joint capsule, such as a volar plate rupture. In the acute phase, a ruptured volar plate results in pain and dorsal dislocation. In the long term however, two significant late complications can arise: the chronic post-traumatic hyperextension deformity and the flexion contracture. These complications are difficult to treat, but can be prevented by adequate initial treatment. The diagnosis of volar plate rupture is essential to this and can be formulated after a carefully conducted history taking and physical examination usually with simple radiological studies ofthe affected digit. Treatment of a volar plate rupture can be either conservative or surgical and is directed at regaining finger function and preventing complications. For the treatment to be successful, intensive physiotherapy during follow-up is essential.