Do I Have Boutonnière Deformity?

Do you have pain on top of the middle finger joint after experiencing an injury?

Do your pain present as long as three weeks after the incident?

Do you have the inability to straighten the finger at the middle joint?

Do you have the inability to bend the finger down?

Do you have swelling on the finger joint?

Do you have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?

Did you suffer a severe blow to your fingers while playing sports or in some other way?

Do your symptoms get worse over time?

Do you have problems using your finger (typing on a computer or grabbing objects)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a boutonnière deformity. A boutonnière deformity is a condition characterized by a deformed position of the fingers in which the middle joint of the injured finger is bent in a fixed position toward the palm, while the tip of the finger is bent backwards (away from the palm). A boutonnière deformity is a consequence of an injury to the tendon that straightens the middle joint of the finger.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a boutonnière deformity. A boutonnière deformity is a condition that can affect one or more fingers of your hand. It describes a finger deformity in which the middle joint of the finger is bent toward the palm, while the tip of your finger is bent in the opposite direction. A boutonnière deformity can be a sports-related injury, but it is also a well-known consequence of rheumatoid arthritis. About half of people with rheumatoid arthritis will develop a boutonnière deformity in at least one finger. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and an “Elson test”.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a boutonnière deformity. A boutonnière deformity is a condition that refers to an injury of the tendon that straightens the middle joint of the finger. In this case, the finger cannot be completely straightened and has a characteristic appearance. This injury must be treated immediately, otherwise it can cause permanent deformation of the finger and its dysfunction. Treatment includes splints or braces that are placed on the finger joint, steroid injections, physical therapy and rehabilitation. Recovery may last from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of your condition.