PIP Joint Contractures: Restore Motion with Minimally Invasive Treatment

Discover safe, effective, and minimally invasive solutions designed to improve hand function, prevent progression, and help you reduce daily discomfort caused by PIP joint contractures.

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Why treat PIP joint contractures early?

Digit Widget offers a minimally invasive surgical option that gradually restores movement, lengthens tissues, and reverses contractures, all while allowing patients to stay active during rehabilitation.

Patient Testimonials

Matti H

Matti H

My left hand is nearly perfect thanks in large part to your “widget”. Thank you!!
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Linda J

Linda J

As I write this, Flip and Flop have been with me for 9 weeks. My fingers are no longe...
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Rob V

Rob V

Rob’s story begins when he was in his 40’s and noticed swelling in his knuckles a...
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Christine B

Christine B

While walking my dog around our neighborhood, I suffered a fall that caused me to fra...
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Reclaim your range of motion and independence to move.

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Explore more on PIP joint contractures and recovery

PIP joint contractures: How trauma affects finger motion and recovery

Impact of trauma on finger mobility and ways to recover.



PIP joint finger contractures: daily challenges and recovery

Every day struggles with contractures and treatment options.

PIP flexion contracture: restoring extension without surgery

Non-surgical methods to regain finger extension

Treating PIP joint contractures: Digit Widget vs. Splints and Injections

How Digit Widget offers a better solution than traditional options.

What’s the daily impact of PIP joint contractures on hand function?

  • Progressive finger flexion that prevents full extension


  • Difficulty gripping, dressing, and performing fine manual tasks
  • Pain, skin folds, and hygiene problems in severe cases
  • Limited response to splints and physical therapy for moderate to severe contractures

Current treatment options for PIP joint contractures and their limitations

Splinting

Helpful in mild cases but often insufficient for moderate or chronic contractures

Enzyme injections

Effective for some patients but carry risks of skin tears, tendon rupture, and variable outcomes

Fasciectomy

Can restore motion but requires longer recovery, scar management, and carries surgical risks

Advancing care with Digit Widget: Minimally invasive finger surgery for PIP joint contractures

  • Applies gentle skeletal extension torque to gradually straighten fingers
  • Lengthens soft tissues without damaging the skin or causing pain
  • Maintains finger flexion, allowing patients to stay active during treatment
  • Fast outpatient treatment, typically completed in under 20 minutes

How Digit Widget transforms PIP joint contracture treatment

Minimally invasive, pain-free relief

  • 5-10 degrees of joint extension gained per week
  • Avoids the risks associated with injections
  • May be ideal for patients with medical complications

Designed for 24/7 comfort

  • No pressure points, no blisters, no loss of circulation
  • Comfortable and flexible, encouraging high compliance
  • Lightweight for continuous wear

Activity encouraged, not restricted

  • Preserves flexion and functional use of the hand
  • Reduces stiffness and enhances range of motion
  • Supports everyday tasks and light activity during treatment

Accessible, and ready to use

  • Single-use, sterile system with everything needed for ease of use
  • Proven results from more than 19,000 cases

Digit Widget Case Studies

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

Case Study - 1

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

This case study involves an 83-year-old man with severe Dupuytren’s Contracture of the PIP and MCP joints of his long and ring fingers. He has had no prior surgery. The patient sought treatment because he was no longer able to hold a golf club. Prior to performing a fasciectomy, Dr. Agee decided to use Digit Widgets on both affected fingers to facilitate access to the palm and fingers. The Digit Widgets were applied and the Dupuytren’s bands in the palm were cut, but not excised.

Courtesy of Robert Slater, MD

Case Study - 2

Trauma

Courtesy of Robert Slater, MD

A 35 year-old man injured his right ring finger during a martial arts training session. Nine months later, he was referred for treatment of a persistent finger deformity that was painful and limited hand function. Previous attempts at serial plaster casting and dynamic splints failed to improve the finger’s ROM.

Courtesy of Alonso Escalante, MD

Case Study - 3

Trauma

Courtesy of Alonso Escalante, MD

Six months prior to being referred to Dr. Escalante, this female patient hyperextended her ring finger. Prior splinting had not been successful in reducing her contracture and she presented with a 90º flexion contracture of her ring finger PIP joint.

Courtesy of WB Ericson, M.D.

Case Study - 4

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of WB Ericson, M.D.

This patient is a healthy 60 year old white male who presented with isolated bilateral severe contractures of the small finger PIP joints (~110º) from Dupuytren’s disease.

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

Case Study - 5

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

This case study involves a 73 year-old female with severe Dupuytren’s Contracture of the MCP and PIP joint of the little finger on her left hand. She had no prior surgeries on the left hand. Before surgery, her MCP joint lacked 75º and the PIP joint lacked 80º. During surgery a fasciectomy was performed and one Digit Widget was applied.

Reverse PIP joint contracture and restore range of motion.

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FAQs

What causes a PIP joint contracture?

A PIP joint contracture often develops after trauma, stroke, or conditions like Dupuytren’s disease. Over time, the tissues around the PIP joint stiffen and the palmar soft tissues shorten, preventing full extension and inhibiting normal finger function.

How is a PIP joint finger contracture different from regular stiffness?

A PIP joint finger contracture is a fixed deformity caused by a force imbalance that shortens the palmar soft tissues of the fingers, while stiffness may still improve with therapy. Once a contracture develops, surgical treatment or minimally invasive options are usually needed.

Are minimally invasive treatments as effective as finger surgery for PIP joint issues?

For many patients, minimally invasive therapies can restore motion and delay or avoid finger surgery. While outcomes depend on severity, these approaches reduce risks, shorten recovery, and help preserve natural joint function.