Presentation
Trauma to the hand. Obvious deformity of the 3rd finger upon physical examination.
Patient Data
Radiographs confirmed the dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of the 3rd finger. The dislocation can be classified as a type I dorsal dislocation (hyperextension).
No fractures are seen.
Case Discussion
Dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations are usually the result of a hyperextension mechanism.
Plain radiographs are often sufficient to diagnose a PIP joint dislocation, but it is important to study the digit with proper frontal and lateral radiographs, which unfortunately were not performed in this case. Hand radiographs alone may miss more subtle fractures and/or dislocations of a digit, such as a volar plate avulsion fracture.