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Metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation of the thumb in children

R Maheshwari1, H Sharma, R D D Duncan

  • 1Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, Scotland. rajanmh@aol.com

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|February 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thumb metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations are rare. Some dislocations appearing simple on X-ray may actually be complex, requiring open reduction for successful treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Traumatology

Background:

  • Dislocations of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb in children are infrequently reported.
  • Understanding their clinical features and outcomes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 37 pediatric thumb MCP joint dislocations.
  • To correlate radiological findings with the type of dislocation and guide treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 37 pediatric cases with thumb MCP joint dislocations.
  • Analysis of clinical data, treatment methods (closed vs. open reduction), and radiological patterns.
  • Correlation of radiographic presentation with surgical findings and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of injury was 7.3 years (range 3-13).
  • 33 children underwent closed reduction, with 11 requiring general anesthesia.
  • Four cases necessitated open reduction due to soft-tissue interposition, achieving good results without complications like infection or stiffness.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric thumb MCP joint dislocations generally have good outcomes with appropriate reduction techniques.
  • Radiological findings suggesting simple dislocations may represent complex injuries requiring open reduction, particularly when soft-tissue interposition is suspected.

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