Swan neck deformity is an abnormal positioning of the joints in your fingers.

Swan neck deformity can be treated with surgical and nonsurgical options.

Examples are sports injuries and trauma to the fingers.

A X-ray image of a right hand with the joints highlighted in red on a black background.

Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

However, you cannot necessarily avoid health conditions like Ehlers-Danlos and Parkinsons disease.

One of the most common causes is rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

The deformed appearance of the affected finger is the primary sign of swan neck deformity.

Imaging studies can give your doctor a clear view of what the injury looks like inside your finger.

Similar Deformities

There are other finger deformities that are similar to swan neck deformity.

One example is a boutonniere deformity.

It is mainly used for deformities that are brought on by arthritis.

A silverring splintor another splint that supports the joints without limiting the function of your hand is usually used.

Progressive casting is another option.

This treatment involves casting the finger at different stages to restore its natural positioning.

Physical therapycan be used alongside splinting or casting to help restore strength and mobility to damaged joints.

Nonsurgical strategies are usually reserved for early or mild deformities.

They might not be an option in more severe cases where the movement of the joint is already limited.

A Word from Verywell

Many conditions can cause painful damage to the joints.

Swan neck deformity is one pop in of disfigurement that can occur.

They can diagnose the deformity and determine the best way to treat it.

The differences between these conditions are the positioning of the joint and how severe the damage is.

Swan neck deformity is usually brought on by incurable conditions like RA.

Nationwide Childrens Hospital.Volar plate injuries.

American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Jersey finger.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Mallet finger (baseball finger).

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Boutonniere deformity.