- [Home](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en) - [Surgery](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery) - Volar plate injury [Back to all surgeries](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery) # Volar plate injury surgery in children Stable injuries often need no operation. How instability, dislocation or an articular fracture changes treatment of a child’s finger. Most stable volar plate injuries are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered when an aligned, stable joint cannot be achieved or maintained. [Learn about this condition →](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/volar-plate-injury) - [Stability matters more than the label “jammed finger”](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury#sezione-1) - [What an operation may involve](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury#sezione-2) - [Protecting the finger after surgery](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury#sezione-3) - [Using the hand, school and sport](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury#sezione-4) - [Risks and symptoms that should not wait](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury#sezione-5) - [Sources](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury#fonti) ## Stability matters more than the label “jammed finger” The volar plate limits excessive extension of the finger’s middle joint. An injury can damage it alone or detach a bone fragment with it. X-rays, alignment, movement and stability are assessed before deciding on treatment. An irreducible dislocation, persistent partial dislocation or unstable joint fracture may require an operation. Fragment size and position contribute, but a percentage measured on an X-ray does not replace assessment of joint congruence and stability. An open injury or impaired circulation or sensation requires urgent assessment. ## What an operation may involve The hand surgeon assesses whether to realign and fix a fragment with small implants, repair injured tissue or use temporary joint protection. Technique and implants depend on the fragment, joint and remaining growth. The aim is a stable finger that can regain movement. Not every injury requires direct repair of the volar plate. In delayed presentations, stiffness and deformity can make treatment more complex. ## Protecting the finger after surgery Anaesthesia, possible admission and follow-up are discussed beforehand. Discharge instructions should cover the wound, splint, any wires, medicines and permitted movements. Wires or splints should not be adjusted or removed at home. Protecting a repair does not mean keeping the finger still indefinitely. When and how far it may move depends on the stability achieved. Hand therapy can help restore movement without loading the repair too early. ## Using the hand, school and sport Writing or using the hand for light activities is not the same as being ready for ball games, climbing or contact sport. Progression considers healing, pain, stability, movement and strength. Any sports protection must be prescribed and does not make a prohibited activity safe. Swelling and stiffness can remain while the injury is healing. Progressive loss of movement, persistent deformity or deterioration needs reassessment; forcing movement without guidance can be harmful. ## Risks and symptoms that should not wait Possible problems include stiffness, restricted movement, ongoing pain, residual instability, infection and further procedures. Full recovery cannot be guaranteed, particularly after complex or delayed joint injuries. A pale or cold finger, new loss of sensation or rapidly increasing severe pain needs urgent assessment. Contact the treating team immediately; if they cannot be reached promptly, attend an emergency department. A very tight dressing, wound drainage or increasing redness requires prompt advice even without fever. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if circulation is affected. ## Sources - [Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Phalangeal Finger Fractures — Clinical Practice Guideline.](https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/fractures/Phalangeal_Finger_Fractures/) - [Choi H et al. Management of Pediatric Volar Plate Avulsion Fractures of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Systematic Review. Hand (N Y), 2025;20(5):664–674; online 2024. PMID 38380839.](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11571450/) - [British Society for Surgery of the Hand. Volar plate injury.](https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/1021/volar_plate_injury) [For parents Volar plate injury: condition information page Causes, diagnosis, conservative options and when surgery is considered.](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/volar-plate-injury) ### Questions about this surgery? Book a consultation to discuss your child's specific case. [Book a Consultation](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/locations#prenota) ### Related Articles - [Related Condition](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/conditions/volar-plate-injury) - [Document Checklist](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/visit-guide/document-checklist) - [Locations & Booking](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/locations) ### Need clarification? Book a specialist visit at the Gaetano Pini Institute or CTO Milan. [View Locations & Book](https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/locations) --- Canonical: https://ortopediaevolutiva.com/en/surgery/volar-plate-injury Le informazioni cliniche sono divulgative e non sostituiscono una valutazione medica diretta.