Acute closed dislocation of the second through fourth carpometacarpal joints: satisfactory treatment with closed reduction and immobilization

An Isolated Second Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocation Treated With Open Reduction and Transfixation With K-wire: A Rare Case Report

Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint dislocation is a rare injury that can be easily missed due to non-specific clinical signs and radiologic findings. We report a patient with an isolated and irreducible dorsal dislocation of the second CMC joint, which required an open reduction and K-wire transfixation. An extensor tendon was found to be interposed between the base and the trapezoid. K-wire removal was done after three weeks and following the removal of the wire, rehabilitation was started.

Carpometacarpal dislocation second to fifth with associated hamate fracture: A case report of rare injury

INTRODUCTION

Carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation of the second to fifth metacarpals is an extremely rare hand injury that results from high-energy trauma. It is inherently unstable, especially if it is associated with concomitant carpal or metacarpal fractures.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 18-year-old male who sustained a motorbike injury at the level of the second to fifth CMC joints, which was associated with a hamate fracture. The patient failed initial conservative treatment, and so one week later he underwent closed reduction of the second to fifth carpometacarpal dislocations and Kirschner wire fixations from the second to fifth metacarpals. He then underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the hamate fracture using a mini-fragment plate and screws.

DISCUSSION

This type of hand trauma is often overlooked due to radiological misinterpretations. It is important to pay attention to significant soft tissue swelling in this injury. Percutaneous pinning is still considered the gold standard and safest procedure for this injury.

CONCLUSION

This is a rare hand injury that requires careful radiological assessment and meticulous and stable reduction. We believe that open reduction is advantageous in certain circumstances.

Carpometacarpal Dislocation of the Third to Fifth Fingers and an Associated Fracture of the Hamate in a Military Paratrooper

Multiple carpometacarpal dislocations with a simultaneous fracture of the hamate represent less than 1% of all injuries to the hand and wrist regions, with a scarcity of published cases. These injuries usually require a great force, and diagnosis can be missed or delayed because of the high likelihood of other severe concomitant injuries. We report a case of acute closed dislocation of the third through fifth carpometacarpal joints and an associated fracture of the hamate in a military paratrooper. The injury was caused by a wrong landing technique during parachuting. The patient was managed with primary surgical repair, and after a six-month follow-up, he has excellent functional results. The fact that both this clinical entity and the mechanism of injury are very unusual a high index of suspicion is needed, especially for orthopedic surgeons working in military hospitals. Additionally, given that there is a paucity of published cases and optional treatment is controversial, this study corroborates the superiority of surgical repair in a long-term basis.

Fracture dislocations of the carpometacarpal joints of the fingers

OBJECTIVE

Fracture dislocations of the multiple carpometacarpal joints [CMCJ] of the fingers are uncommon injuries that can significantly compromise hand function and durability if managed sub-optimally. These injuries are at risk of being missed as they are commonly a part of major high energy trauma with associated more obvious and immediately threatening injuries getting all the attention. The clinical and radiological parameters which could help a surgeon to detect and analyse these injuries well are discussed. The management of these injuries with emphasis on the pattern of K-wire fixation is presented.

METHOD

A review of multiple CMCJ dislocations at our institution found 39 hands in 38 patients (one case with bilateral injury) over a seven-year period (January 2010 to January 2017). The pattern of injury noted in these cases was assessed and categorized. Our preferred management plan for these injuries is discussed.

RESULTS

The patterns of dislocations noted in a total of 39 cases were-dorsal (25), dorsal radial (6), volar (1), volar radial (5) and divergent (2). The dorsal dislocations were the commonest (25/39) and additional 6/39 were radial-dorsal, only six displaced in a volar direction. Divergent dislocation was seen in only two cases.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of dislocations noted in 39 cases in our institute (Ganga Hospital- A tertiary level trauma center) is presented to provide an overview of the spectrum of the injuries which a surgeon could face. Early surgery is recommended and should be aimed to restore perfect anatomical alignment of the skeleton. Surgeon should have a low threshold for open reduction in case of gross swelling or inability to get an anatomical closed reduction. The method of K-wire fixation presented herein has resulted in good outcome in our practice; wherein we fix the dislocated CMCJ by inserting K-wires from the radial and ulnar borders of the hand and avoiding wires in the central part of the hand. This prevents extensor tendons tethering by the K-wires. The fixation achieved by multiple K-wires passed in this manner provides enough stability to allow for early active mobilisation of the fingers. The need for careful assessment to detect associated nerve injury and compartment syndrome; and post-operative strict hand elevation and prevention of stiffness of the MCP joints has been emphasized.The CMCJ dislocations have innumerable patterns possible; however, the management principles remain the same. In spite of the gross distortion of the anatomy seen in these injuries, anatomical reduction and adequate stabilization to allow early mobilization generally results in satisfactory outcomes.

Ulnar paddlefish carpometacarpal dislocation of the three lesser fingers: a case report

The long fingers’ paddlefish carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation is exceptional. Most dislocations occur after high energy trauma. Untreated, these lesions can result in chronic instability of the CMC joints and early osteoarthritis. We report the case of a 20-year-old patient presenting with an ulnar paddlefish CMC fracture-dislocation of the three lesser fingers resulting from a hand trauma in the context of an occupational accident. Treatment is usually surgical though no strict consensus can be found upon literature review. If diagnosed early and no associated fractures are found, CMC dislocation could benefit from conservative treatment.

Conservative Treatment of Carpometacarpal Dislocation of the Three Last Fingers

Posterior carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation is a rare condition. Treatment is usually surgical though no strict consensus can be found upon literature review. If diagnosed early and no associated fractures are found, CMC dislocation could benefit from conservative treatment comprising closed reduction and splint immobilisation. We report the case of a 26-year-old man diagnosed with a posterior dislocation of the third, fourth, and fifth CMC joints after a fall of 1.5 meters, treated by external reduction under procedural sedation and immobilisation with a cast for 6 weeks. Evolution was excellent with no relapse observed during follow-up. Our aim is to increase physician awareness of CMC dislocation so that they seek this injury in the emergency department. Unrecognised CMC dislocation can lead to neurovascular injuries as well as chronic instability and early articular degeneration.

Isolated radial volar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint: a rare injury

Isolated palmar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint is an uncommon injury and classified as radio-palmar or ulno-palmar according to the direction of displacement of the fifth metacarpal base. This very rare injury is often difficult to recognize. A careful neurologic assessment of the patient is a necessity, as well as obtaining proper radiographs of the hand. The purpose of this report is to present a patient with a pure isolated volar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint that was satisfactorily treated with closed reduction and casting. A review of the literature is presented.