Finger joint injuries in active patients: pointers for acute and late-phase management.

Finger joint injuries such as sprains, avulsions, jams, and dislocations can occur with contact and noncontact sports. Recognition and treatment of these injuries is necessary to avoid prolonged or permanent impairment. Many finger joint injuries can be treated conservatively with splinting and occupational therapy. Injuries such as 'mallet finger,' profundus tendon avulsions, large-fragment fracture-dislocations or other injuries with incongruity after reduction, and open extensor-mechanism injuries may require operative treatment. Operative treatment for complete collateral ligament ruptures at the PIP joint, though controversial, is recommended here.