Swan neck deformity
Swan-neck deformity is a bending in (flexion) of the base of the finger, a straightening out (extension) of the middle joint, and a bending in (flexion) of the outermost joint. The most common cause of swan-neck deformity is rheumatoid arthritis. The usual cause of a swan neck deformity is weakness or tearing of a ligament on the palm side of the middle joint of the finger. Sometimes it is caused by tearing of the tendon that flexes the middle joint. In other cases, injury of the tendon that straightens the end joint is the cause Treatment of swan-neck deformity is aimed at correcting the underlying disorder when possible. Mild deformities that have not yet developed scarring may be treated with finger splints (ring splints), which correct the deformity while still allowing a person to use the hand.
