All conditions
Condition
Boutonnière deformity
An injury to the tendon that straightens the middle joint of a finger (the PIP joint). The middle joint stays bent while the fingertip bends back. Early treatment matters — it can become permanent if missed.
Common triggers
- Forceful bending of a straight finger
- Cuts or dislocations at the middle finger joint
- Inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis
When to seek care
- Inability to straighten the middle finger joint after injury
- A finger that is locked in a bent position with the tip flexed back
- Pain, swelling, or open wound at the middle joint
Related care
Splints often used
Sources
- Boutonnière Deformity — AAOS OrthoInfo(accessed 2026-04-22)