Discharge Instructions - Finger Dislocation

As discussed in the Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with a finger dislocation.  A finger dislocation is when one of the bones in a finger joint is pushed or pulled out of position.  The bone can be forced to the front, back, or side of the joint.  When this happens, the finger bones don't line up correctly.

A finger dislocation usually happens from a sudden injury.  Sometimes, the injury causing the dislocation also causes a broken finger bone.  The medical term for a broken finger bone is a "finger fracture."

A finger dislocation causes pain and swelling around the joint.  People can usually see or feel that their finger bone is out of position.  Because the finger bone is out of position, people have trouble bending or straightening their finger.

Treatment depends on how severe your finger dislocation is and if you also have a finger fracture.

People with a severe dislocation or who also have a finger fracture are usually treated by a specialist called either an Orthopedic or Hand Surgeon.  He or she may need to do surgery to put the bone back in the correct position.

If your finger dislocation is not severe, the doctor can do a procedure to put your bone back in the correct position.  Before he or she does this, you will get a shot to numb your finger or medicine to make you sleepy.

During the procedure, the doctor will gently push or pull your finger back into the correct position.  Then he or she will put a splint on your finger or tape your finger to the finger next to it, called "buddy taping.”  The doctor will usually do another X-ray to check that your bone is in the correct position.  Most people need to wear a splint or use buddy taping for days to weeks, depending on which joint was dislocated.

If your dislocation was reduced (put back in the correct position) in the Emergency Department, you will need to leave the splint in place for 1 week or until follow up with your primary care provider or a hand specialist.  If you were directed to follow up with an Orthopedic or Hand Surgeon, be sure to schedule this appointment and follow up to prevent loss of function in the affected finger.

Return to the Emergency Department for worsening pain, change in color of the finger to blue or pale, numbness or weakness in the affected finger, or any new or concerning symptoms.