An Unusual Jersey Finger

An avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon from its insertion is typically described as a jersey finger. The patient in this case presented with pain and loss of motion of his dominant ring finger after grasping the jersey of an opposing American football player in an attempt to tackle him. This mechanism is typical of a jersey finger; however, his injury included avulsions from the insertions of both FDP and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons. A combined avulsion of both FDP and FDS has been described in very few closed injuries and never from the typical jersey finger injury. This patient's injury was repaired primarily, followed by flexor tendon rehabilitation protocol allowing him to return to active function. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.