Finger - Avulsion fracture - Lateral

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Finger - Avulsion fracture - Lateral

  • A 'mallet finger' may result from a tendon tear (not visible with X-ray) or an avulsion fracture
  • The X-ray is taken to see if an avulsion fracture is present - as in this case

Finger - Volar plate fracture - Lateral

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Finger - Volar plate fracture - Lateral

  • Hyperextension of a finger may result in injury to the tough ligaments on the volar (palmar) side of the finger joints
  • A fragment of bone may be avulsed - as in this image

Finger - Foreign bodies

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Finger - Foreign bodies

  • Fingers are a common site for foreign bodies
  • Always rely on at least 2 views and relate the position of the foreign body to the site of the skin wound
  • Dense materials like glass and metal are easily detected. Less dense material such as wood may not be visible, in which case imaging with ultrasound may be helpful
  • In this case a radio-opaque foreign body is seen at the site of the marker
  • A second foreign body is also seen more proximally

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: November 2018