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Boutonniere Deformity
Anatomy
The extensor tendon mechanism on the back of a finger is an extremely delicate and complex structure. The tendon divides into 3 slips or bands, which insert onto different bones in the finger. There are 2 lateral bands and 1 central slip. Because the bands lie above the centre of rotation of both joints they act to extend or straighten the finger.
Injury
A Boutonniere or Buttonhole deformity arises when there is a rupture of the central slip of the extensor mechanism. This is an uncommon sporting injury usually due to an end-on injury to the finger with sudden bending at the P.I.P. joint (often in football or basketball).
Deformity
Central slip rupture may result in the gradual development of bending at the PIP joint and over-straightening at the DIP or end joint of the finger. When one tries to make a fist the D.I.P. joint does not bend normally.
The typical deformity may not come on straight away and so it is quite frequent that the severity of the injury is not initially recognised. The lateral bands gradually slide sideways around the finger. When they pass the centre of rotation of the PIP joint they act to bend this joint rather than straighten it. If the deformity is present for some time this bend may become fixed (hence more difficult to correct).
An understanding of the development of the deformity is critical in understanding the treatment required.
Normally the extensor tendon straightens the finger. If there is a central slip rupture no force passes through the central slip no matter how hard the muscle contracts. In an attempt to straighten the PIP joint increasing force is exerted through the lateral bands and the DIP joint over-straightens.
Treatment Rationale
Treatment
1. Achieve full straightening at PIP joint . This requires prolonged stretching. Care should be taken while doing this to avoid applying force across the DIP joint – this will only make the deformity worse.
2. Bend the DIP joint while holding the PIP joint straight. This has 2 effects. It regains movement at the DIP joint. It also acts to centralise the Lateral bands. In so doing it drives the lateral bands above the centre of rotation of the PIP joint and turns the lateral bands into straighteners rather than benders of this joint.
3. Allow the central slip to heal . This requires a period of splintage with the finger held completely straight for 3 weeks and then a variable period of dynamic splintage (using a Capener splint) for up to 3 months. During this period you will require regular review by the hand therapist who makes these splints.
4. Surgery is occasionally required to correct the deformity (especially if long-standing deformity). Due to the delicate nature of the extensor mechanism stiffness following surgery is a problem.