Sidelined for a finger; What’s De Goey?

Footy fans, in particularly Collingwood supporters are wondering how a simple finger injury could lead to Jordan De Goey potentially being on the side-lines for a couple of months.

The answer is it is not a simple injury. De Goey has suffered an injury of his middle finger flexor tendon known as a ‘Jersey finger’ injury. Footy has-beens and keyboard warriors may ask why he wouldn’t just play the season out and deal with it later, he did play out the game after all.

The injured tendon arises from a muscle in the forearm shared by all four fingers, with the role of bending the finger tip joint. As the tendons pass through the fingers they go through a series of ‘pulleys’ which hold the tendons in place, similar to a fishing rod.

Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) muscle and tendons

Finger pulley system (blue), FDP tendon (yellow)

When the tendon is avulsed or detached, the pull of the muscle attachment from the forearm causes the tendon to retract back. This is why early surgical intervention is important. The further the tendon retracts back the more structures along the pathway that may also be damaged, and the nutritional supply of the tendon may be compromised.

Avulsed FDP tendon

If treated early, surgery to reattach the tendon is possible. Delayed surgery is much more complicated and often involves a two-stage process with the use of a tendon graft.

In the case of De Goey who has undergone direct repair, he will now be required to wear a splint to protect the repair whist he undergoes rehab to safely regain his movement and strength. Unfortunately return to sport following these injuries cannot be rushed due to risk of rupturing the repaired tendon, with players typically missing 8-12 weeks.

Stay safe and look after your hands!