Volar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Abstract

The author reports a volar dislocation of the right-hand ring finger's proximal interphalangeal joint in 65-year-old women presented two days after the injury. Apparent shortening, rotation and ulnar deviation of the finger are the classical clinical findings. Radiographs are essential in differentiating between the variants of volar dislocation. Type 1 dislocation presents as irreducible dislocation because of the entangled proximal phalanx in the buttonhole and always associated with the same side collateral ligament injuries. Type 2 dislocation is reducible because of the central slip rupture and a resultant boutonniere deformity. The author reported a case with a complex spectrum of injury, causing the volar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint with the proximal migration of the middle phalanx and radial displacement. This was because of the same side collateral ligament rupture and central slip avulsion. Central slip reconstruction and radial collateral ligament repair produced a stable, painless joint and a full range of movement at the final follow-up. V • Type 2 Volar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint is rare. • It is reducible and has central slip injury with boutonniere deformity. • Central slip reconstruction and collateral ligament repair produce stable joint.