Simultaneous open and closed dislocations of adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints: A case report

Metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) dislocations are uncommon, and when open are often complex, requiring surgical intervention for reduction. A 38-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with simultaneous open and closed dorsal dislocations of adjacent MCP joints of the index and long fingers that were successfully treated by closed reduction in the ED. Injuries to the MCP joint can severely affect hand function when treatment is delayed and, thus, it is an accepted principle that definitive treatment should be achieved as quickly as possible for optimal functional outcome. In the case of dorsal dislocations of the MCP joints, aggressive ED intervention followed by brief immobilization and early hand therapy referral may result in dramatic clinical improvement for the patient without the need for surgery. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc.