Ulnopalmar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint. A rare injury.


Published online: Apr 27 2002

Fischer JW, Waseem M, Gambhir A, Creedon RJ.

Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Tameside General Hospital, Ashton-Under-Lyne, United Kingdom. jfischer@btinternet.com

Abstract

Volar dislocation of the carpometacarpal joint of the little finger is an uncommon injury. It is subdivided in ulnopalmar and radiopalmar dislocations. The injury can easily be missed on standard x-rays. Closed reduction and K-wire fixation has commonly been used in the treatment, although closed reduction and casting has been reported. Only 10 cases of an ulnopalmar dislocation were published previously. We report a case of a simultaneous dislocation of the 4th metacarpophalangeal joint and an ulnopalmar dislocation of the 5th carpometacarpal joint. The combination of these injuries has not been reported yet. We review the available literature and discuss the methods of treatment.