The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

Skip to main content

Boutonnière Deformity

Finger deformity with PIP joint flexion and DIP joint hyperextension after extensor central slip injury.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Boutonnière Deformity?

Boutonnière deformity is a finger deformity in which the proximal interphalangeal joint is held in flexion and the distal interphalangeal joint in hyperextension, due to disruption of the central slip of the extensor tendon and volar migration of the lateral bands.

Common causes include trauma to a flexed finger, laceration over the dorsal PIP joint and chronic synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent fixed deformity and functional impairment of the hand.

Symptoms

Inability to actively extend the PIP joint
PIP joint held in flexion
DIP joint hyperextended
Pain and swelling over the dorsal PIP joint
Tenderness over the central slip insertion
Difficulty grasping and pinching
Progressive deformity if untreated

Risk Factors

Forceful flexion injury of the finger
Laceration over the dorsal PIP joint
Sports involving ball impact on fingers
Rheumatoid arthritis with chronic PIP synovitis
Burns of the hand
Late presentation of acute injury
Inadequate splinting after central slip injury

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New inability to straighten the PIP joint
  • Persistent pain and swelling over the PIP
  • Progressive deformity
  • Open wound over the dorsum of the PIP
  • Suspected tendon injury after sports
  • Lack of improvement after splinting
  • Functional limitation in daily activities

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed clinical examination and radiographs
02
PIP joint extension splinting for several weeks in acute injury
03
Hand therapy with progressive motion exercises
04
Surgical repair of the central slip in displaced or open injuries
05
Treatment of underlying rheumatoid synovitis
06
Tendon reconstruction in chronic deformity
07
Long-term follow-up to prevent recurrence

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Low Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Herniation

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the outer layer of the disc between the vertebrae tears and the inner part presses on nerve tissue, causing low back and leg pain.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Cervical disc herniation is a condition in which the disc between the vertebrae in the neck region presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing neck, shoulder, and arm pain.

Knee Pain and Meniscus Tear

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Meniscus tear is a tearing of the cartilage structures in the knee joint as a result of a sudden twisting movement or degeneration and is one of the most common causes of knee pain.

Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, causing restriction of movement in all directions and severe pain.

Bone Fractures

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

A fracture is partial or complete disruption of the integrity of bone tissue due to an external force or bone disease, and it can occur at any age.

Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture)

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Distal radius fracture is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits; it occurs when the radius bone fractures at the wrist end due to the hand being planted on the ground during a fall.

Hip Fracture

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Hip fracture is a serious fracture mostly occurring in elderly individuals with osteoporosis due to a fall in the femoral neck or trochanteric region, and early surgical treatment is life-saving.

Ankle Sprain

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ankle ligaments, most commonly involving the lateral ligament complex (ATFL, CFL, PTFL) after an inversion injury.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.