Swan Neck Deformity Splints

Swan neck deformity is a condition that causes the fingers to bend in a distinctive way, with the middle joint of the finger hyperextended and the end joint flexed.

Swan Neck deformity most commonly occurs in conditions that cause joint or tendon damage or instability, or in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Swan neck deformity can affect one or multiple fingers and can cause difficulty with gripping and holding objects. It can also cause pain and discomfort in the affected joints. The abnormally bent fingers may make it difficult for a person to grasp objects or make a fist.

While there are several potential causes of swan neck deformity, the most common cause is rheumatoid arthritis.

Other possible causes may include one or more of the following:

• Other types of arthritis.
• Untreated mallet finger – a condition often caused by injury.
• Poorly healed fracture in the finger.
• Other direct trauma to finger that has weakened the ligaments surrounding the PIP joint.
• Nerve damage that causes muscle spasms.
• Loose finger ligaments.
• Ruptured finger tendon or tendons.
• Some genetic conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.