A Case Report on an Open Fracture Dislocation Injury of the Proximal Phalanx of the Thumb Resulting from Playing...

Open fractures represent high acuity injuries requiring rapid evaluation and management for optimal outcomes. In this report, we discuss a patient presenting with an open fracture of the proximal phalanx of the right thumb with interphalangeal (IP) joint dislocation. The patient reported that the injury occurred in the setting of trauma from catching a cricket ball, experiencing immediate severe pain and bleeding. Key interventions in the emergency department included rapid x-ray evaluation of the injury, administration of cefazolin and tetanus vaccine, pain control, covering the exposed bone in moist gauze, and involvement of the hand surgery team for bedside irrigation and reduction. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture the next day. He was followed in the hand clinic and was doing well at the 12-week appointment. In summary, we report on an open fracture and dislocation of the proximal phalanx of the thumb secondary to a traumatic cricket injury. Early mobilization of the surgical team and adjunctive prophylaxis with cefazolin and updated tetanus were key measures in the emergency department for achieving optimal outcomes.

Finger injury, hand injury, open fracture, dislocation, cricket, sports injuries.