Which part should be immobilized for a dislocated finger joint?
Disease description:
My finger joint was accidentally dislocated, and now my finger is swollen, painful, and has limited mobility. I'm very concerned about improper recovery. I would like to know which part needs to be immobilized for a dislocated finger joint?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Immobilization is a very important step in the treatment of finger joint dislocation. Its main purpose is to prevent further injury to the joint and ensure proper healing of the joint.
1. Immobilize the entire finger: Once a finger joint dislocates, the entire finger must be immobilized, as this maintains stability of the finger and greatly reduces the risk of re-injury. External devices such as bandages, splints, or casts are commonly used to achieve immobilization.
2. Avoid immobilization in extension: When immobilizing the finger, care should be taken to avoid keeping the finger in a fully extended position for prolonged periods. Prolonged immobilization in extension may lead to complications such as joint adhesions or stiffness. Instead, it is recommended to immobilize the finger in a slightly flexed position, such as 90 degrees of flexion. This position is more conducive to joint recovery and helps maintain joint flexibility during the healing process.
3. Duration of immobilization: The length of immobilization mainly depends on the severity of the dislocation and the individual's healing rate. Generally, immobilization may last for several weeks. During this period, the joint should be allowed to regain stability and reach a condition suitable for appropriate rehabilitation exercises before considering removal of the immobilizing device.
