Irreducible compound dorsal dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger

Three cases of compound irreducible dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger are reported. The probable mechanism is discussed. The findings warrant the description "volar capsular boutonnière" as the condyles of the proximal phalanx buttonhole, through the volar structures. Open reduction combined with debridement, is the treatment for such compound irreducible dorsal dislocations. Dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers are common and can usually be reduced by simple traction. Occasionally reduction by closed methods is unsuccessful because of interposition of volar or dorsal soft tissue structures (Lamb 1981). This study reports three cases of compound dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint with volar soft tissue interposition. Such lesions are sparsely mentioned in text books on fractures and hand injuries and hitherto only a few cases have been published (Lamb 1981, Bunnell 1956).