Jersey Finger Repair
Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University

Rachel M. Drummey, MSc
University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Asif M. Ilyas, MD, MBA, FACS
Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University

Jersey finger refers to an avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) at its insertion on the distal phalanx, the weakest point of the tendon. The injury frequently occurs during contact sports while grabbing the jersey of an opposing player as the player pulls or runs away. Surgical repair is the definitive treatment for all cases of complete rupture of the FDP tendon.

In this video article, Dr. Ilyas at the Rothman Institute demonstrates the suture anchor technique to repair a jersey finger. This approach was selected in place of the more traditional pull-out button technique for potentially stronger repair, no presence of external fixation devices, avoidance of button-related complications, and ease of rehabilitation.