A ‘Jersey finger’ injury classically occurs when an athlete aggressively grabs an opponent’s jersey, resulting in forced, violent extension of a maximally flexed distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. This specific mechanism of injury directly causes the avulsion of which tendon?

Explanation:
The correct option is c. A Jersey finger represents a closed avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon from its insertion at the volar base of the distal phalanx. It most commonly affects the ring finger (up to 75% of cases) due to its anatomical tethering to the adjacent middle and small fingers, which restricts its independent extension. Retraction of the tendon requires prompt surgical repair to restore DIP flexion and prevent ischemic tendon necrosis. Reference: Leddy JP, Packer JW. Avulsion of the profundus tendon insertion in athletes. J Hand Surg Am. Classic Ortho mcq.