Pediatric Finger Dislocation Treatment in Shrewsbury, Edison, and Freehold, NJ

With all of their constant use, it is no surprise how often the fingers experience an injury. Individuals who harm their fingers will typically experience a cut, fracture, or dislocation.

The pediatric orthopedists with Atlantic Pediatric Orthopedics are members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and have extensive experience diagnosing and treating children with finger dislocations. If your child is experiencing symptoms of a dislocated finger, please call Atlantic Pediatric Orthopedics at (732) 544-9000 to schedule an appointment in Shrewsbury, Edison, and Freehold, NJ.

What Is a Finger Dislocation?

This particular injury pertains to a finger that has been displaced from its proper position. It is especially common for the middle knuckle to become dislocated after the finger has been jammed into an object or overextended beyond its normal range of motion. Most finger dislocations are quite mild, though more severe injuries will of course require more complex treatment from one of our physicians to repair the joint.

A Common Condition in Children

Many individuals will suffer a finger dislocation during their younger years, especially those involved in athletics. Poor catching technique or an awkward grab for the ball are usually to blame for this kind of injury. Parents who are trying to care for a child with a finger dislocation should address this condition just as any adult would, which includes seeking professional medical attention right away to have the finger realigned.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger?

Individuals with a dislocated finger will often experience pain in the affected area right away. Swelling and stiffness will be soon to follow, and bruising is likely to occur in the few days after the injury was sustained. The finger may also appear to be crooked, though this type of visual symptom is not present in every single patient. Numbness or tingling of the finger(s) is an indication of a particularly serious injury and should be treated immediately.

Diagnostic Testing at Atlantic Pediatric Orthopedics

Our experienced specialists can often tell right away if the patient is suffering from a dislocated finger based on their reported symptoms and the appearance of the finger. However, additional imaging tests may be ordered to officially diagnose the injury since this can help to rule out similar problems with the fingers such as a break.

X-ray imaging is the most common type of test performed on a patient with a dislocated finger. A CT scan or MRI may also be ordered if additional details are needed about the soft tissues within the hand that may also have been damaged at the time of the finger dislocation.

What is the Treatment for a Finger Dislocation in Shrewsbury, Edison, and Freehold, NJ

In most instances, our physician will quickly reposition the finger using a manual technique called reduction. Patients will still experience swelling and bruising to the area, though their pain should subside rather quickly once the joint has been restored to its proper place. Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatories are often the only other treatments needed during this recovery process.

Cases including much more significant damage to the finger may need surgery to correct. This method is also recommended for those that have experienced a fracture in addition to the dislocation of their finger.