Boutonniere Deformity Surgery

Overview

If you have boutonniere deformity you are unable to straighten the middle joint while the tip of the finger bends back. This is caused due to an injury to the tendons on the top and sides of your finger or a cut on the top of your finger that severs the tendon from the bone. Sometimes, the bone can pop through the cut on your finger. If boutonniere deformity goes untreated, this can become a permanent deformity. It can also cause arthritis in your finger. Signs of boutonniere deformity can develop up to three weeks after the injury. Undoubtedly boutonniere deformity surgery can alleviate your symptoms and prevent you from experiencing a permanent deformity.

How to Prepare for Boutonniere Deformity Surgery

You won’t be able to eat the day you have surgery. You should be able to continue drinking water as normal. Just avoid drinking other beverages, like soda, juice, or milk. We may also ask that you quit taking certain medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs a few days before surgery. Make sure we know what medications you take regularly.

Procedure  

Surgery might be suggested if your tendon is severed, your bone is displaced, or if it results from severe arthritis. This is an outpatient procedure which means after you wake up from surgery you can return home.

Recovery 

After you wake up from surgery your finger will be in a splint for up to six weeks. Then for several months, you will be required to do at-home physical therapy exercises. You can expect a full recovery in three to four months.

Efficacy

Through surgery, your doctor repairs your tendon and your bone repositioned.

Complications

Possible complications include infection, blood loss, and nerve damage as with any surgery.

Outlook

Depending on how long you’ve been living with boutonniere deformity before you sought treatment, you may experience limited function permanently.