Swan Neck Deformity Treatment

(1) Swan neck deformity case1:full passive movement of the PIP Joint

    - functional loss in these pts is related to loss of DIP joint extension;
    - consider flexor synovectomy, intrinsic release, FDS tenodesis, dermadesis, retinacular
           ligament reconstruction or DIP arthrodesis (to correct primary mallet finger deformity)

(2) Swan neck deformity case2: restriction of PIP flexion depending on MCP position (tight intrinsics)

    - flexion of the PIP Joint is restricted if the MCP joint is extended
           due to intrinsic muscle tightness;
           - flexion of MCP joint facilitates flexion of PIP Joint;
           - PIP flexion is limited due to MCP deformity w/ 2ndary intrinsic tightness;
           - as expected, the ulnar intrinsics are usually tighter than the radial intrinsics, therefore, placing the finger in radial deviation;
    - consider performing an intrinsic release & MP joint reconstruction if needed;

(3) Swan neck deformity case3:restriction of PIP motion w/ preserved joint space;

    - lateral band mobilization w/ or w/o pin fixation & or skin release;
    - hemitenodesis of FDS tendon to base of the middle phalanx is performed to limit hyperextension deformity of PIP Joint;
    - MCP arthroplasty is helpful in many instances;

(4) Swan neck deformity case4:end stage Swan neck deformity;

    - there is significant loss of articular cartilage w/ a complete loss of active and passive PIP Joint movement;
    - PIP fusion:
             - consider for index & or middle fingers if stability is important or if MP joint requires arthroplasty;
             - manditory if flexor tendon has ruptured;
    - PIP arthroplasty:
             - for 4th & 5th digits if adjacent tendons are intact;
             - early treatment involves splinting;

The above mentioned multiple swan neck deformity treatment methods are the best possible treatments for swan neck deformity.

Swan Neck Deformity Explained - Causes, Treatment

What is a Swan Neck deformity?

A Swan Neck deformity is a condition where the middle joint of the finger, known as the PIP joint, hyperextends or bends backwards and the end joint near the fingernail, known as the DIP joint, flexes or is bent downwards.

Swan Neck deformity picture

How do you get a Swan Neck deformity?

The most common causes of a Swan Neck deformity are a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a ligament injury or an untreated Mallet or "Baseball" finger. Swan Neck deformity can also be a problem for people with a connective tissue disease known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

There is a thick ligament called the volar plate under the middle finger joint that keeps it from bending backwards. This ligament can be damaged by the inflammation common in Rheumatoid Arthritis and it can be torn when the finger is forcefully hyperextended. In addition to the volar plate, the tendons that act on the middle and end joint can be damaged or displaced by arthritis and by injuries such as Mallet finger injury or hyperextension.

Some people are born with loose or lax joints that are often misnamed "double jointed". This laxity allows the fingers to bend backwards without there being any injury and without it being a problem. But for persons with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the fingers can hyperextend so much that it's difficult to bend the fingers.

How is a Swan Neck deformity treated?

Swan neck deformity treatment

Swan neck deformity Splinting the finger to stop the hyperextension is often all that is needed and can be a very successful long term solution. In more severe cases, surgery can be done to help realign the tendons and tighten the tissues around the joint.

What kind of splint options are there?

There are splints on the market designed to treat Swan Neck deformity. There are some different metal splints available, one made out of stainless steel and one made from silver. Because the steel splints can be hard to wear and the silver splints can be expensive, I designed a lightweight plastic splint called the Oval-8 Finger Splint.
                                
Oval-8 splints are designed to prevent hyperextension at the PIP joint but allow the finger to bend. They come in a broad range of sizes so they will fit almost any hand and are thin enough to be worn on several fingers at the same time if necessary. The wide bands make them comfortable to wear and depending on skin color, they can almost disappear on your finger. Oval-8's are comfortable, cost effective and can be worn short term or permanently if needed.

How do I get an Oval-8 splint?

Oval-8 splints have to be sized and fitted by a health care provider to make certain the fit is correct and that you know how to care for your finger.

If your doctor or therapist does not know about Oval-8 splints, you and they can get more information by visiting the Oval-8 page on this web site. It includes a video that shows how the Oval-8 is fit for a Swan Neck deformity.