A 32-year-old man grabs a falling weight and feels a pop in his right ring finger. He has palmar tenderness over the finger but can flex the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the other fingers normally. He is unable to flex the distal interphalangeal joint of the ring finger against resistance. The most likely diagnosis is:

• A Rupture of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon in zone II
• B Avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon from the base of the distal phalanx ✓
• C Trigger finger from stenosing tenosynovitis of the A1 pulley
• D Avulsion of the central slip of the extensor tendon

Explanation

Jersey finger is avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus from its insertion on the volar base of the distal phalanx, typically when a flexed DIP is forcibly extended during gripping. Loss of active DIP flexion with a normal FDS profile is diagnostic, and the retracted tendon may be palpable in the palm or finger depending on the Leddy and Packer level of retraction. The ring finger is most commonly affected. Central slip avulsion causes a boutonniere deformity, the opposite extension deficit pattern.

Reference: Green's Operative Hand Surgery, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.