At the level of the hand, the palmar or volar plaques (also called palmar or volar ligaments) are found in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and fulfill the following roles:

➢ they strengthen the joint capsules

➢ they increase the stability of the joints (the middle joints of the fingers)

➢ they limit hyperextension (prevents the finger from bending back)The volar plaque is basically a thick ligament with a fibrocartilaginous composition, which connects the two bones that form a joint, at finger level.

There are other ligaments that are located on each side of the joint, called collateral ligaments

A lesion of the volar plate is commonly called "stuck finger" or "sprain".

This happens when the finger is bent backwards too much (forced hyperextension) and it happens most often in ball sports, most affected being the middle joint of the finger.

When the finger is bent backwards too much (forced hypertension), one or more of the collateral ligaments can also rupture leading to increased lateral movement of the affected joint.

➢ intense local pain

➢ limiting the movement in the joint

➢ swelling of the joint

➢ bruises

➢ in severe cases, the joint can dislodge.

To confirm the diagnosis and to exclude other lesions, an X-ray may be necessary.

Wearing a plastered splint for a short period of time, maximum one week, is useful for protecting and resting the affected finger.

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve pain and inflammation, but are recommended for short periods of time, 7-14 days maximum. The pain will gradually subside, disappearing completely within 3-4 weeks.

Ice applied topically, in sessions of 5-10 minutes 3-5 times a day, significantly helps reduce pain and inflammation. Always put a thin towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied.

A recovery program will be started with light exercises for a few days, then their intensity will gradually increase. The exercises will be continued until complete movement is recovered in the affected joint.

If the damage of the volar plaque is severe, the affected finger joint becomes unstable or a local fracture is present, surgery may be necessary. The intervention is followed by a short period of immobilization and the start of the recovery program that aims at:

➢ toning the muscles around the affected joint

➢ increasing the stability of the joint

➢ improving the dexterity of the hand.