| Abstract: | The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is the articulating joint between the proximal and middle phalanges of the fingers. Hyperextension injuries to the PIPJ of the finger are one of the most common injuries of the hand. Volar plate injuries (VPIs) of the PIPJ typically occur as a result of forced hyperextension, sometimes with a degree of axial loading. As such, VPIs are a distinct possibility to consider in all hyperextension finger injuries. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of the different types of VPI encountered will assist in accurate diagnosis, thus ensuring that the treatment provided is optimal. This clinical feature provides an overview on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of “closed” VPIs of the PIPJ. |
