Unstable dorsal fractrue-dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal jont

Four cases of unstable fracture-dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint are reproted, including 3 isolated dorsal fracture-dislocation and 1 dorsal fracture-dislocation associated with a fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone. All cases required open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation which resulted in good function. Attention is drawn to the frequent delay in diagnosis. The applied anatomy is discussed.