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Floating distal interphalangeal joint injury: case report
Kenji Kawamura1, Shohei Omokawa, Takamasa Shimizu
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan. kkenji@naramed-u.ac.jp
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|August 21, 2010
Summary
A delayed diagnosis of a floating distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injury in a 37-year-old man led to surgical repair. Despite successful bone union, osteoarthritis developed in the DIP joint.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Floating distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injuries are uncommon hand trauma.
- Delayed diagnosis can complicate management and outcomes.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old man presented with a delayed diagnosis of a floating DIP joint injury to the left index finger.
- The injury was initially missed due to minimal external deformity, with diagnosis confirmed 3 months post-trauma.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention involved open reduction and internal fixation for the dorsally displaced floating DIP joint.
- Radiographic evidence confirmed bone union post-surgery.
- Post-operative radiographs revealed the development of osteoarthritis in the affected DIP joint.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis for floating DIP joint injuries.
- Osteoarthritis is a potential long-term complication following surgical repair of such injuries.
- Further research may be needed to explore optimal management strategies to prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis in DIP joints.
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