Chronic painful subluxation of the metacarpal phalangeal joint extensor tendons

Chronic subluxation of the extensor tendons of the metacarpal phalangeal joint has been documented in six patients on active duty in the United States Navy. These patients had painful full flexion and gripping in the knuckle, especially when they were performing their jobs. No extension lag was noted. Three patients had a severed junctura tendinum between the long and index fingers, which was believed to be a contributing factor to extensor tendon subluxation. Local anesthesia was administered to these patients, and the lesions were surgically corrected by reefing of the extensor hood and the sagittal band and repair of the junctura tendinum.