Interesting Case Series Principles of Management in Isolated Dorsal Distal Interphalangeal Joint Dislocations

A 26-year-old right-handed man presented with pain in his right ring finger after a physical altercation. Deformity and swelling in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was evident. There was no open injury or sensory loss; flexion and extension were limited secondary to pain. X-ray showed posterior dislocation of the ring finger DIP joint without fracture. QUESTIONS 1. How common are isolated DIP joint dislocations and what is the usual mechanism of injury for this particular injury? 2. What are the important physical examination findings when assessing DIP joint dislocation? 3. How do you reduce a dorsal DIP joint dislocation? 4. What is the surgical and applied anatomy of the DIP joint? DISCUSSION Dislocations of the DIP joint of the fingers are often associated with fracture, tendon rupture, and/or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint involvement. Closed isolated DIP joint dislocations are exceedingly rare. According to a literature review by Abouzahr an