Trauma – The most common cause of boutonniere deformity is trauma to the finger, such as a direct blow, a laceration, or a crush injury. This can damage the tendon and ligaments that support the middle joint of the finger, leading to deformity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the joints. It can also affect the tendons and ligaments that support the fingers, leading to boutonniere deformity.

Other Medical Conditions – Boutonniere deformity can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.

Symptoms of Boutonniere Deformity

The symptoms of boutonniere deformity include:

Inability to Straighten the Finger –

The most noticeable symptom of boutonniere deformity is the inability to straighten the middle joint of the finger. This is because the tendon and ligaments that support the joint have been damaged.

Swelling – The affected finger may also become swollen due to the inflammation caused by the injury or underlying medical condition.

Pain – Pain in the affected finger may be present, especially if the deformity is caused by trauma.

Redness – The skin around the affected joint may become red due to inflammation.

Diagnosis of Boutonniere Deformity

Boutonniere deformity is diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional, such as a hand surgeon or orthopedic specialist. During the examination, the healthcare professional will assess the range of motion in the finger, the extent of the deformity, and any pain or discomfort.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, may also be ordered to evaluate the extent of the injury and to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Treatment of Boutonniere Deformity

The treatment of boutonniere deformity depends on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause. In mild cases, non-surgical treatment may be recommended, while more severe cases may require surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment –

Non-surgical treatment for boutonniere deformity may include:

a. Splinting – Splinting the affected finger in a straight position can help to prevent further damage and promote healing.

b. Physical Therapy – Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore the range of motion in the finger and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

c. Medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatment – If non-surgical treatment is not effective or if the deformity is severe, surgery may be recommended. The type of surgery will depend on the extent of the injury and the underlying cause of the deformity. Surgery may involve repairing the damaged tendon or ligament or fusing the affected joint to promote stability.

Exercises for Boutonniere Deformity-

Physical therapy exercises can play an important role in the non-surgical treatment of boutonniere deformity. These exercises can help to improve the range of motion in the finger, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and prevent further damage to the joint. Here are some exercises that may be recommended by a physical therapist:

Finger Extensions – This exercise involves straightening the fingers as much as possible and holding the position for a few seconds before slowly releasing. It can help to improve the range of motion in the finger and prevent further deformity.

Finger Flexion – This exercise involves bending the fingers as much as possible and holding the position for a few seconds before slowly releasing it. It can help to improve flexibility in the finger and prevent stiffness.

Hand Gripping – This exercise involves squeezing a small ball or hand gripper for a few seconds before slowly releasing it. It can help strengthen the hand muscles and improve grip strength.

Wrist Rotation – This exercise involves rotating the wrist in a circular motion, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. It can help to improve flexibility in the wrist and prevent stiffness.

Hand Stretching – This exercise involves stretching the hand by placing the palm against a flat surface and gently pushing the fingers back toward the wrist. It can help to improve flexibility in the hand and prevent stiffness.

It is important to perform these exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist to ensure that they are done safely and effectively. The therapist may also recommend other exercises and modifications based on the individual needs of the patient.

How Physiotherapy Can Help in Boutonniere Deformity-