Volar plate avulsion injury. Information for patients The Sheffield Hand Centre

Transcription

1 Volar plate avulsion injury Information for patients The Sheffield Hand Centre

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3 What is volar plate avulsion injury? The volar plate is a thick ligament in the finger that prevents the joint bending backwards. If there is enough force the volar plate may be pulled off its attachment with a small piece of bone This injury may also tear the collateral ligaments, which protect from excessive side-to-side movement of the joint. Severe injuries can sometimes cause a dislocation injury where the joint is completely moved out of position. A collateral ligament injury usually heals without difficulty, although scar tissue can result in a permanent thickening. Collateral ligaments Middle phalanx (bone) Volar plate Small bone fragment page 3 of 8

4 What are the signs and symptoms of volar plate injury? Noticeable swelling or deformity around the joint Pain when the finger is resting Inability to move the joint fully Pain with range of motion of the finger What is the treatment? Treatment usually involves 'buddy taping' the injured finger to provide some support whilst the injury is healing. You may also be seen by the Hand Therapy team. This injury does not usually need any follow up with a surgeon but a referral is often made to the therapists who can monitor your recovery. How long will it take to heal? The initial swelling will usually take up to 6 weeks to heal but the finger may stay swollen and stiff for up to 6 months. page 4 of 8

5 Is there anything I can do to help? Keeping your fingers moving within the buddy tape is the best way to reduce swelling and improve the range of motion. By carrying out the following exercises you can improve the range of motion in your fingers. Keeping your fingers straight, bend at the knuckles and return to a flat hand. Repeat 5-10 times as pain will allow. Bend the tips of your fingers and the middle joints, then straighten. Repeat 5-10 times as pain will allow. page 5 of 8

6 Make a fist, then straighten your fingers 5-10 times as pain will allow Do not try to lift heavy objects for the first 6 weeks after the injury. Is there anything I should look out for when I get home? If you notice a lot of swelling or deformity please get in touch with the Sheffield Hand Centre for advice. It is normal for the joint to remain swollen for several months. It is common for the joint to become slightly bent. Who should I contact if I have any concerns? If there are any problems please contact The Sheffield Hand Centre: page 6 of 8

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8 Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working together we can help local patients feel even better To donate visit Registered Charity No Alternative formats can be available on request. Please Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2018 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. PD8027-PIL3366 v3 Issue Date: March Review Date: March 2020