What is an Elson test?
The Elson test is a diagnostic test used for early detection of injuries to the central slip of the extensor tendon.
How do you perform the Elson test?
Position the patient’s PIP in 90-degrees flexion. This normally keeps the central band taut and the lateral bands loose. Ask the patient to extend the PIP, while the provider’s finger applies counterforce at the middle phalanx. NORMAL Elson’s test: Results in active extension of the PIP joint and a floppy DIP.
How do you test for extensor tendon injury?
IV. Exam: Elson Test
- Technique. Patient rests their hand on table with involved finger flexed 90 degrees at the PIP Joint over the table edge. Patient attempts to extend finger at PIP joint against resistance.
- Interpretation. Positive if weak extension against resistance (Central Slip Extensor Tendon Injury)
How do you test for boutonniere deformity?
The Elson test is conducted by fixing the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint at 90° of flexion and asking the patient to extend the affected digit.
How do you treat an extensor tendon injury?
How are extensor tendon injuries treated? Cuts that split the tendon may need stitches or surgical repair, but tears caused by jamming injuries are usually treated with splints. Splints stop the healing ends of the tendons from pulling apart and should be worn at all times until the tendon is fully healed.
How do I know if I tore a tendon in my hand?
If your extensor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to straighten 1 or more fingers. If your flexor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to bend 1 or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and swelling (inflammation) in your hand.
What is Boyes test?
Alternatively, the Boyes test is conducted by extending the PIP joint and asking the patient to flex the DIP joint. If the extensor mechanism is intact, the patient will be able to flex the DIP joint.
What does a torn extensor tendon feel like?
The most common symptoms of extensor tendon injury are pain and swelling at the tip of the finger. Other major symptoms include: Redness and warmth near the injury. Stiffness in the finger joint.
What is the central slip in the hand?
The tendon on the top of the finger attaches to the middle bone and is known as the central slip. Without the central slip working your finger may develop a deformity called a boutonniere (button-hole).
What are the signs and symptoms of jersey finger?
The most common signs and symptoms of jersey finger include:
- Inability to bend one or more joints in a finger.
- Pain when bending a finger.
- Numbness in your fingertip.
- Tenderness along the palm side of the hand.
- Pop or ripping sensation felt at the time of injury.
How do you test a jersey finger?
Special test: Hold the middle phalanx of affected finger to isolate DIP and ask patient to actively straighten DIP. If the patient cannot, then the test is positive for Extensor Digitorum injury. You can also passively extend the tip and see if patient is able to hold it there or if it returns to the flexed position.
Why is it called boutonniere finger?
It’s called a boutonnière deformity because the slit in the tendon looks like a buttonhole with the bone showing. Boutonnière means buttonhole in French.
What is the Elson test?
The Elson test is a diagnostic test used for early detection of injuries to the central slip of the extensor tendon.
What is the Elson test for finger fracture?
It’s an interesting modification of the Elson test published in 2006 in the British Journal of Hand Surgery: The injured and uninjured contralateral finger are placed knuckle to knuckle in 90 degree PIP flexion, with the middle phalanges pressed against each other. The patient is then asked to extend both DIPs.
What is Elson’S test for central slip?
Elson’s test is the most well known test to diagnose an injury to the central slip before complications occur. Here’s how it’s done: The patient bends the PIP 90° over the edge of a table and extends the middle phalanx against resistance.
What is abnormal modified Elson’S test?
Abnormal modified Elson’s test. The injured finger (blue tourniquet) should not be able to extend this much, but the key to making the diagnosis is the asymmetry. By way of comparison: a normal modified Elson’s test, where the distal phalanges are limited in extension. Again, the key is assessment of the symmetry.