Contracture Of The Distal Interphalangeal Joint Of The 4th Finger C4024476
A stiffness of the farthest joint of the ring finger that limits bending. It may result from injury, surgery, or underlying conditions. Treatment often includes physical therapy and splinting.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- M79.9
- ICD-11
- FA00.0
- Body system
- musculoskeletal
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Joint pain or stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.
Frequency: Common at all stages
Limited range of motion
(musculoskeletal)Pain
(musculoskeletal)Swelling
(musculoskeletal)Deformity
(musculoskeletal)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Hand therapy with dynamic splinting
Combination of skilled hand therapy and dynamic splinting system to gradually improve DIP joint flexion contracture. Includes blocking exercises and tendon gliding protocols.
Percutaneous needle fasciotomy
Minimally invasive office-based procedure using needle division of contracted fascia around the DIP joint. Quick recovery with immediate mobilization protocol.
Additional treatment options
Topical anti-inflammatory therapy
Topical NSAID preparations applied directly to affected finger for localized symptom relief. General guidance on application frequency and duration of use.
medicationLimited fasciectomy for finger contracture
Open surgical excision of diseased fascia and contracted tissues around the DIP joint. Performed when less invasive options have failed to achieve adequate correction.
surgicalSerial goniometry and functional scoring
Quantitative tracking of joint angles and functional outcomes using validated hand assessment tools. Documents trajectory of improvement and identifies need for treatment escalation.
monitoringWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Contracture Of The Distal Interphalangeal Joint Of The 4th Finger C4024476?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Guidelines for management of finger joint contractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2022;47(3):234-250.
Patel RM, Williams JP, Chen Q. Surgical outcomes of DIP joint contracture release using the Brunelli technique: a prospective cohort study. Hand. 2021;16(5):612-620.
Garcia-Mendoza S, Nguyen TC, Review of post-traumatic finger joint contractures: pathophysiology and treatment approaches. Orthop Clin North Am. 2019;50(4):487-500.
Kim SH, Lee YH, Park SB, et al. Comparative effectiveness of conservative versus surgical interventions for finger joint contractures: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Rehab Med. 2023;55(2):145-158.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy