P5140070

Dislocation ofthe PhaJanges of the Fingers

Dislocationsof the phalanges occurat a high ratę when comparcd to dislocations in other areas of the body. Dislocations can occur ąt the metncarpnl phalangea/ joint (MCP), proximal interphaJangeal joint (PIP) ot distal inerphnhnge.il joint (DIP). They can disiocate in both the palmar or dorsal direction.

An)iime a dislocation occuiś ił is important to refer the patient to a physician to evaluate the injury with an x-ray to confirm diagnosis.

The Kinesio technigue wiłI provide pain relief, rcduce inflammation by use of a lymphatic correction, proeide joint stability with a ligameńt correction and, use a functional correction to limit f!exion or exfensi'on.

Apply a lymphatic correction technique to the dorsal surface, palmar surface or both. For review see lymphatic correction technique.

Application shown is from the base of the first proximai phalanx to the distal phalanx.

Application shown is from the base of the first proximal phalanx to the distal phalanx wrapping the Kinesio Tape around the entire finger.

Apply a ligameńt correction technique to the region in which the dislocation or fractured region is located. For review see ligameńt correction tech-nique.

If the finger was a dorsal dislocation apply the ligameńt correction on the dorsal aspect of the finger. If the dislocation caused laxity to either the medial or lateral ligaments of the finger, apply the correction strip to these regions in a crisscross pattem, for review of this technique see finger sprain.

Apply a functional correction technique that will limit the motion which caused the mechanism of the injury. Generally, dislocations occur in the dorsal direction. Limiting the joint rangę of motion in extension will assist with joint stability.

Begin by placing the patients finger in a flexed position. Apply the superior base at the distal tip of the phalange. The inferior base is applied to the hcad the of corresponding metacarpal head.

Hołd both the superior and inferior base strips and have the patient move into finger extension. The degree of joint limitations is determined by the practitioner.

Strips of Kinesio Tape to hołd the corrective technique in place.

Not shown: an additional Kinesio strip may be used to "buddy tape" the injured finger to the finger located next to it, its buddy.