Complex Irreducible Dorsal Dislocation of Thumb Interphalangeal Joint: Controversies and Consensus in Management

Abstract

Dislocations of thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint are rare injuries due to inherent stability of the joint. This report presents a case of complex irreducible dorsal IP joint dislocation of thumb due to interposition of four structures – volar plate, sesamoid bone, flexor pollicis longus tendon and digital nerve which is perhaps the only case reported so far in literature where more than three structures have been implicated for this joint irreducibility. The author presents a comparative review of similar case reports previously reported in literature listing the controversies in management and forming a broad consensus in the management of these difficult injuries. Finally, an algorithm for the management of these injures has been proposed in this article which maybe helpful for other operators in tackling these injuries so as to deliver predictable treatment outcomes.