Hyperflexion in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and hyperextension in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint produces a deformity called boutonniére (French for “buttonhole”). The boutonniére deformity is a sequela a extensor tendon injury at the PIP joint level. The central slip tears and migrates proximally. The triangular ligament is damaged and the lateral bands displace volarly below rotational axis of the PIP joint. The resultant damage to the extensor hood, triangular ligament and PIP joint capsule produces a button hole defect dorsally. As the bony structures displace dorsally through the button hole defect, the lateral bands move further volarly and the tendon balance is disrupted. This is often followed by a fixed PIP joint flexion cntracture and DIP joint hypertension.3 Such an injury may be caused by a laceration of the central slip and dorsal PIP joint capsule but usually buttoniere injuries occur after closed ruptures of the central slip secondary to a severe hyperflexion force appied to the PIP joint. Without treatment within 3 weeks of the initial injury, the misalignment becomes fixed, chronic, and more difficult to treat. Even with treatment, this deformity can have long-lasting consequences, including persistent stiffness, flexion contracture, chronic swelling, and impaired mobility.
Common causes of the event cascade that leads to boutonniére deformity include:
Pathophysiology
Related Anatomy
Incidence and Related Conditions
Differential Diagnosis
Reproduced from the International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems, 10th revision, Fifth edition, 2016. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2016 https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/246208
The typical patient with a traumatic boutonniére deformity is usually a young active individual (male or female) who has injuried their finger while playing sports. The patient presents complaining of a "jammed finger". Usually, the patient will be complaining about PIP joint pain and swelling. Initially, the PIP joint extension lag may be minor but if the injury is left untreated, the extension lag will increase and eventually become a fixed PIP joint flexion contracture (i.e. boutonniere deformity).
General
RECOMMENDED HAND SURGEON THERAPY ORDERS
REVIEW OF THERAPIST COSERVATIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR BOUTINNIERE DEFORMITY (ZONE 3 EXTENSOR TENDON INJURY)
Therapy for non-operative patient to include:
Full time splinting of PIP for weeks in full extension (splinting for 6 weeks and then check for a lag. If no extension lag at PIP presents, you may order part time day splint use (30-60 minute intervals) and full night time splint use for an additional 2 weeks. If a slight extension lag persists, continue full time PIP splint use for an additional 2 weeks. Night extension splinting can be maintained for a total of 3-4 months if necessary to counterbalance flexion postures during the day.
REVIEW OF POST OPERATIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR BOUTINNIERE DEFORMITY - NOT INCLUDING SHORT ARC EARLY AROM (ZONE 3 EXTENSOR TENDON INJURY)
Early hand therapist assistance and intervention:
When Applicable:
*Wound healing may be prolonged in diabetic patients and smokers
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HAND THERAPY REFERENCES
Cannon, et al. (2001). Diagnosis and Treatment Manual for Physicians and Therapists, Upper extremity Rehabilitation (4th ed). The Hand Rehabilitation Center of Indiana.
Mackin, Callahan, Skirven, Schneider, and Osterman, (2002). Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity, 1, (5th ed). St Louis, MO: Mosby Year Book, Inc.
Cooper, (2014). Fundamentals of Hand Therapy; Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Guidelines for Common Diagnoses of the Upper Extremity, (2nd ed). Mosby, imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Stanley and Tribuzi. (1992). Concepts in Hand Rehabilitation. F. A. Davis Company