Swan Neck Deformity

What is Swan Neck Deformity?

The finger joint is a hinge joint that allows the bending and straightening of the fingers. Each finger is composed of 3 phalange bones joined by 2 interphalangeal joints (IP joints). The joint near the base of the finger is called the proximal IP joint (PIP joint), and the joint near the tip of the finger is called the distal IP joint (DIP joint). 

Swan neck deformity is a condition in which the tip of the finger is bent down (DIP flexion) and the middle joint is bent back more than normal (PIP hyperextension). Swan neck deformity can affect any finger.

Symptoms

The affected finger looks like an outstretched neck of a swan. You may experience stiffness, snapping sensation and difficulty bending the affected finger. It may become almost impossible to perform certain activities such as button your shirt or grip an object.

Causes

Trauma and as well as certain conditions that damage the joints, ligaments and tendons of the fingers can cause swan neck deformity. These conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Parkinsons disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Scleroderma
• Psoriatic arthritis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. Imaging studies will be ordered to observe the tendons, ligaments, and bones more closely.

Treatment

Non-surgical Treatment

Generally, the swan neck deformity finger can be treated non-surgically using specially designed splints that immobilize the finger and promote natural healing. In cases of fracture, complete bone healing may take 6-8 weeks, followed by physical therapy for strengthening. 

Surgery

In severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended.

Anyone of the following surgeries may be performed:

Soft Tissue Repair

The skin, ligaments, and tendons around the PIP joint of your finger are surgically repaired or reconstructed. This restores the structure around the joint and restrains it from hyperextension. Severe swan neck deformity cannot be corrected by this method.

PIP Joint Arthroplasty

Joint arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. The soft tissues surrounding the joint are balanced to restore the normal mobility of the joint.

Finger Joint Fusion

Finger joint fusion is a surgical procedure to remove the damaged bony ends of a finger joint followed by the insertion of a prosthesis to fuse the bones back together. Finger joint fusion is performed to relieve arthritis pain in the fingers.

Following surgery, you may wear a splint for a few weeks. Physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions will help reduce pain and inflammation as you heal and restore strength and range of motion.