DIP Dorsal Finger dislocation (no fracture)
On this page
- What has happened?
- What should I expect?
- What should I do?
- What should I not do?
- Will I be followed up?
- What if I have concerns/questions?
What has happened?
- You have dislocated one of your fingers
- This is a relatively common injury where the bone temporarily moves out of place, and usually requires no further treatment
What should I expect?
- The injury will have been put back into place by Emergency Department (ED) staff and put into a splint
- The finger will be painful and swollen, and you may develop bruising on your finger - this is normal
What should I do?
- Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
- Your finger will be in a splint for approximately two weeks
What should I not do?
- Avoid heavy lifting with your affected hand while injured
- Leave your finger splint on at all times - take it off for washing only
Will I be followed up?
- Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED) and you will be contacted regarding a date and time
What if I have concerns/questions?
- If your injury is not settling after 6 weeks or you have other concerns, you should see your GP first - take your ACC form/number with you