Authors of section

Authors

Fabio A Suarez, Aida Garcia

Executive Editor

Simon Lambert

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Dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint

Definition

Dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint often show dorsal dislocation.

The dislocations are classified by the AO/OTA as 70E1.2–5[5], where 2–5 indicates the ray of the injured MCP joint.

Dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint

An MCP dislocation may be associated with soft-tissue injuries and fractures of the metacarpal and/or proximal phalanx.

The associated fractures may be a partial or complete articular fracture of the metacarpal head.

Dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint with an associated fracture of the metacarpal head

Imaging

X-ray

AP, oblique, and lateral views are required.

These AP and oblique x-rays show a case of a 2nd MCP joint dislocation with associated fracture of the metacarpal head.

AP and oblique x-rays show a case of a 2nd MCP joint dislocation with associated fracture of the metacarpal head

Dorsal dislocation is readily seen in the lateral or oblique view.

In this case, the AP x-ray shows dislocation of the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th MCP joint.

AP x-ray shows dislocation of the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th MCP joint

The extent of dislocation is better visible in the lateral and oblique x-rays.

The extent of dislocation is better visible in the lateral and oblique x-rays.

CT scan

CT scans help evaluate the size, shape, and pattern of an associated fracture.

This lateral CT image shows the MCP joint dislocation and associated metacarpal head fracture.

This lateral CT image shows the MCP joint dislocation and associated metacarpal head fracture.
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