From the Guidelines
Recurrent finger subluxation is often caused by underlying conditions such as joint laxity, prior hand injury, or certain systemic diseases like Marfan syndrome, which can weaken the supporting ligaments around the joint. The causes of recurrent finger subluxation can be multifactorial, including:
- Joint laxity, which is a known risk factor for hand osteoarthritis (HOA) 1
- Prior hand injury, which can lead to chronic instability and increased risk of subsequent dislocations 1
- Systemic diseases such as Marfan syndrome, which can cause recurrent joint dislocation or subluxation due to underlying connective tissue abnormalities 1
- Other factors such as easy bruising, functional bowel disorders, and neurally mediated hypotension or postural orthostatic tachycardia, which are minor diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome 1 It is essential to evaluate the patient's medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and consider imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of recurrent finger subluxation. According to the evidence, joint laxity is a significant risk factor for HOA, and patients with polyarticular HOA are at increased risk of knee OA, hip OA, and OA at other common target sites 1. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment and management plan should be developed to address the underlying cause of recurrent finger subluxation and prevent long-term complications such as chronic pain, decreased grip strength, and early-onset arthritis.
From the Research
Causes of Recurrent Finger Subluxation
The causes of recurrent finger subluxation (dislocation) can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Trauma or injury to the finger, which can lead to instability and increased risk of recurrent dislocation 2, 3, 4
- Ligament or tendon injuries, which can weaken the supportive structures around the joint and increase the risk of dislocation 2, 3, 4
- Fractures or other bony injuries, which can affect the alignment and stability of the joint 2, 3, 4
- Repetitive strain or overuse, which can cause wear and tear on the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to instability and dislocation 5, 6
- Underlying conditions, such as trigger finger or other musculoskeletal disorders, which can increase the risk of recurrent dislocation 5
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of recurrent finger subluxation, including:
- History of previous finger injuries or dislocations 2, 3, 4
- Participation in activities that involve repetitive strain or trauma to the fingers, such as sports or heavy manual labor 6
- Presence of underlying musculoskeletal conditions, such as trigger finger or osteoarthritis 5
- Poor treatment or management of initial finger injuries, which can lead to chronic instability and increased risk of recurrent dislocation 2, 3, 4