A swan neck deformity is a hand deformity that causes your finger joints to break down creating a bent back, abnormal appearance. With a swan neck deformity, the middle joint of a finger is extended or bent back more than normal, and the end joint is flexed, giving the appearance of a swan’s neck. This deformity is caused by the weaking or tearing, from an injury, of palm side ligaments or of the palm side tendons that is responsible for flexion. Rheumatoid arthritis is another cause of this deformity along with ruptured tendons, poorly healed fractures, or untreated mallet finger.
Symtoms:
- Difficulty bending the middle joint of a finger (or fingers).
- A popping or snapping sensation during movement or bending.
- Stiffness or weakness in grabbing or pinching.
Treatment Options:
- Occupational Therapy
- Bracing and splinting to correct movements, aid in flexibility, and stabilize the joints
- Surgical treatments are available depending on the severity of the condition or if conservative treatments are not successful.
- Soft Tissue Procedures that stabilize the ligaments and tendons
- Joint Arthroplasty that replaces the finger joint with an implant
- Joint Arthrodesis which is a complete joint fusion
