Chronic anterior dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Anterior dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a complex injury involving specific pathomechanics. Progression of this injury to a chronic stage is associated with considerable morbidity in the form of pain, instability, and loss of motion in the involved joint. Surgical reconstruction is complicated and results of delayed intervention are compromised. Two cases of anteriorly dislocated interphalangeal joints, unrecognized as such early and allowed to progress to a chronic stage, presented to us as boutonniere deformities. Descriptions of clinical presentation, surgical findings, and treatment results in these cases attest to the disabling potential of this injury. Emphasis is therefore placed on early recognition of the anteriorly dislocated proximal interphalangeal joint so that appropriate treatment can be initiated and progression to a chronic stage prevented.