Traumatic Boutonniere Deformity of the Thumb

ABSTRACT

Traumatic boutonniere deformity of the thumb is rare in non-rheumatoid patients. Non-rheumatoid patient develops a boutonniere deformity of the thumb following a closed injury to the dorsoradial aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The patient had an extensor lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint and paradoxical hyperextension of the interphalangeal joint. The patient required surgical treatment which included advancement and reattachment of the extensor pollicis brevis insertion and imbrication of the dorsoradial capsule to restore the anatomical alignment of the extensor pollicis longus. Conservative care of the metacarpophalangeal joint may be effective, but once a boutonniere deformity is developed, surgical treatment is necessary.