Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute injury to the right little finger following [mechanism of injury, e.g., direct axial load/jamming]. Reports localized pain, swelling, and inability to actively extend the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. No numbness or tingling reported.
Clinical Examination Findings
Right little finger: DIP joint held in 20-40 degrees of flexion lag. Tenderness noted over the dorsal aspect of the DIP joint. Passive extension is full and painless. No evidence of volar subluxation. Neurovascular status intact to distal tip.
Treatment Protocol
Applied custom-molded thermoplastic splint to the right little finger, maintaining the DIP joint in neutral or slight hyperextension. Instructed on continuous splint wear for 6-8 weeks. Advised to keep splint dry and clean. Follow-up scheduled to monitor skin integrity and joint alignment.