KUMJ | VOL. 16 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 62 | APRIL-JUNE 2018

Dorsal Metacarpophalyngeal Dislocations of Thumb in Children-Clues to the Clinical Decision Making and a Dorsal Approach to Open Reduction
Baral P

Abstract:
Dorsal Metacarpophalyngeal joint dislocation of thumb in children is a rare occurrence. All the three different types, namely Simple Complete, Complex Complete and Incomplete dislocations have been described in this article with clinical and radiological clues to differentiate the closely reducible (simple) dislocations from irreducible ones (complex). A simple approach to treatment decision making has been adopted for all cases, starting with attempt of closed reduction which if fails, moving to open reduction. First case is a simple dorsal dislocation presenting after fall injury with hyperextension deformity of thumb Metacarpophalyngeal joint that was reducible by closed maneuver. Second case presented with pain and inability to move thumb Metacarpophalyngeal joint, with less marked deformity than the first case. Closed reduction failed and open reduction was done with dorsal approach to the metacarpophalyngeal joint joint after volar plate interposed in the metacarpophalyngeal joint was pushed anteriorly. Third case was an incomplete dorsal dislocation that was reduced closed. Dorsal metacarpophalyngeal dislocation of thumb in children is rare injury. Diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion ascomplex dislocation can be missed due to less obvious deformity. Dorsal approach to open reduction of complex dislocation is a direct and reliable approach.
Keyword : Dislocation, Joint, Metacarpophalyngeal, Volar plate