Interphalangeal dislocation of the fourth toe with avulsion-fracture in a child: report of a case

Phalangeal dislocations of toes are extremely rare in childhood and usually can be treated by closed reduction. We present a proximal interphalangeal dislocation of the fourth toe with an irreducible avulsion fracture of the middle phalanx requiring open reduction. To our knowledge concomitant avulsion fractures in this condition have not been reported thus far in pediatric patients. The pathological mechanism of this injury is discussed, and the significance of the plantar plate for joint stability is emphasized.