Chronic Dislocation of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: A Case Report

Dislocation of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a rare injury; chronic CMC dislocation can lead to significant disability. Traditionally, surgical intervention has focused on the reconstruction of the anterior oblique ligament, though more recently there has been more focus on the dorsoradial ligament. Consideration of both ligaments during CMC joint reconstruction is important to optimize functional outcomes. A 59-year-old male presented with a subacute/chronically dislocated CMC joint of the thumb. Open reduction with pin fixation and dorsoradial ligament repair and augmentation was chosen to restore the stability of the joint. Joint reduction without subluxation was successfully maintained. By 12 weeks postoperatively, there were no remaining major restrictions to activity. Repair of the dorsoradial ligament with augmentation and pinning is a viable approach for surgical management of subacute/chronic dislocation of the thumb CMC joint.