Swan neck deformity
Swan neck deformity | |
---|---|
Swan neck deformity in a 65-year-old rheumatoid arthritis patient. | |
Specialty | Orthopedic |
Swan neck deformity is a deformed position of the
hyperextension). It is commonly caused by injury, hypermobility or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or sometimes familial (congenital, like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome[1]
).
Pathophysiology
Swan neck
hyperextension, plus some damage to the attachment of the extensor tendon to the base of the distal phalanx that produces a hyperflexed mallet finger. Duck bill deformity is a similar condition affecting the thumb (which cannot have true swan neck deformity because it does not have enough joints).[citation needed
]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of swan neck deformity is mainly clinical. MRI of the hand may suggest volar plate attenuation of PIP and extensor tendon damage for DIP[CMT disease may also be indicated.
Treatment
Splinting for fingers. Passive stretching and clearing the deformity.[citation needed]
References
- S2CID 41901355. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
External links
- Swan neck deformity at Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopedics, a technical review of the condition
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Image showing deformities