Joe A Shaw PA-C - 12/11/2011

Question
I was using a hand drill and trying to use the torque of the drill to remove a grinding wheel that wouldn't come off. The drill spun in my hand, twisting my right little finger in and up toward my index finger.  Upon feeling the finger, nothing felt broken and was subsequently confirmed via an xray.  After the swelling subsided and now more than 6 months after the fact, my finger will still not fully bend.  My family doctor asked me if any of the other joints on the finger were not bending, and they seem OK but tender.  Only my middle joint is having a problem.  He felt it was a tendon that due to the strain from being over extended, is damaged.  I asked him if it's repairable, and he said it "should be".  I tried forcing my finger to bend, but it's extremely painful and hasn't shown any results of improvement.  So I would expect some type of surgery would be necessary?  I am 64 and will be on Medicare in 2012, so I'm wondering:  1.  Is this fixable via surgery?  2.  Is this a major or minor (outpatient?) procedure?  3.  Who would I see to perform this operation?  4.  Approximately what cost might I expect to me if I have it done once I am on Medicare?  Thank you for your reply in advance.

Answer
Craig,
Probably tore collateral ligaments of the PIP jt(the middle knuckle jt)causing scar tissue etc..there are also finger pulleys that keep the tendon on tract,you probably didnt rupture your tendon completley if you can bend it..needed to look carefully for volar plate fracture(small fracture at base of bone where tendon attaches),these are missed sometimes..nothing to do about it now..other than exploratory surgery
1. could not determine that w/o exam of finger and probably exploratory surgery etc.
2. outpt
3.only a board certified hand surgeon..
4..would need to ask someone in insurance