Swan neck deformity Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

As the name suggests Swan neck deformity is a type of deformity that can cause deformed finger. The joint that is closest to the finger tip actually get bent toward the palm. Similarly, the joint that is nearest to the palm actually tends to move away from the palm. In medical terms, both these conditions are called DIP flexion with PIP hyperextension. There are multiple factors that can trigger Swan neck deformity, likewise if a patient is having a finger injury that it possibly be one of the reasons for Swan neck deformity. There are some inflammatory conditions associated with the fingers. These conditions can develop DIP flexion with PIP hyperextension.

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to have the Swan neck deformity. Other than that Swan neck deformity can be because of heredity as well. In some cases, it is found that the patients having Swan neck deformity right from the birth. There are tendons inside the finger, when the tendons are imbalanced it can make the finger get Swan neck deformity. The Swan neck deformity can also be called as duck-bill in which the finger gets the zigzag structure. Some medical experts call it a Swan neck deformity or a 90°-angle deformity.

Swan neck deformity Symptoms

The appearance of the finger is enough to understand that the patient is suffering from the Swan neck deformity. In Swan neck deformity the joint at the base of the finger usually bends. From the finger, it can clearly be seen that the middle joint gets straight. The outer most joint of the finger bends in making the finger look deformed. The finger is mostly pointed downward and the patient is unable to move the finger. The Swan neck deformity may or may not have any kind of impact onto the thumb. The doctor can have the examination done in order to confirm the type of the deformity that the patient is having.

Swan neck deformity Causes

The Swan neck deformity can be caused by a number of reasons. The major cause of Swan neck deformity is because of rheumatoid arthritis. Another common cause of the Swan neck deformity could be due to the rupture of lateral slips. These slips are located at the junction with the bone. Such type of issue is also called mallet finger. If a patient is having muscular imbalance then it can be one of the reasons for Swan neck deformity. In medical term, it is also called cerebral palsy. Another possible reason for the Swan neck deformity can be congenital joint laxity.

Swan neck deformity Treatment

For Swan neck deformity there are treatments available that can resolve the issue. As Swan neck deformity can be mild to severe, the treatment will be done accordingly. For mild Swan neck, deformity finger braces are advised to the patient. For severe Swan neck deformity, the surgical methods are suggested to the patients. Skin release can be one of the possible treatments that can resolve the issue. In order to remove the deformity, there can be ligament reconstruction done. Joint fusion is one of the most common methods that are used to treat Swan neck deformity. Joint replacement is another alternate available for the patients.