Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger

Distal interphalangeal joint dislocations of the fingers are uncommon but easily reducible. Irreducible dislocations are quite rare and treatment of such a case is being reported here. Causes of irreducibility have been found to be: volar plate interposition, protrusion of the middle phalanx through the joint capsule, and flexor tendon displacement over the middle phalanx. When these situations occur open reduction is indicated.