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Boutonnière deformity
System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
The middle joint of a finger is bent (flexed) while the end joint is straightened (hyperextended), like a button pushed through a buttonhole ('boutonnière' in French).
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with injury to the central slip of the extensor tendon, and with rheumatoid arthritis.
Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs
Browse the B section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.