Management of the stiff finger: evidence and outcomes

Guang Yang; Evan P McGlinn; Kevin C Chung

doi:10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.011

Management of the stiff finger: evidence and outcomes

Clin Plast Surg. 2014 Jul;41(3):501-12. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.011.

Authors

Guang Yang¹, Evan P McGlinn², Kevin C Chung³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, Jilin 130033, China.
² Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5340, USA.
³ Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5340, USA. Electronic address: kecchung@med.umich.edu.

Abstract

The term "stiff finger" refers to a reduction in the range of motion in the finger. Prevention of stiff fingers by judicious mobilization of the joints is prudent to avoid more complicated treatment after established stiffness occurs. Static progressive and dynamic splints are considered effective non-operative interventions to treat stiff fingers. Capsulotomy and collateral ligament release and other soft tissue release of the MCP and PIP joint are also discussed in this article. Future outcomes research is vital to assessing the effectiveness of these surgical procedures and guiding postoperative treatments.

Keywords: Capsulotomy; Contracture; Finger; Metacarpophalangeal joint; Proximal interphalangeal joint; Splint; Stiffness.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Contracture / etiology
Contracture / physiopathology
Contracture / surgery*
Finger Injuries / complications*
Finger Injuries / surgery
Humans
Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
Range of Motion, Articular*

Grants and funding

K24 AR053120/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States