Patients usually present evaluation of fixed digital flexion that occurred spontaneously or following a trivial injury. The patient states that the fingers will not straighten. Although any hand posture is possible, most often patients describe the fingers as fixed in the position of a clenched fist.

Patients have normal extensor creases. Passive digital extension is associated with significant pain. Typically, the patient holds the long ring and small fingers rigidly flexed, while maintaining normal thumb and index finger mobility. Attempts to straighten the finger actively cause severe pain. If the patient is able to straighten his fingers, attempts at measuring grip are met with “breakaway” resistance. The patient may resist finger extension initially, then suddenly relax and cry out in pain.