title: Ligamentous and capsular injuries to the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand.
abstract: The mechanism of dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is with forced hyperextension of the joint and the main structure injured is the volar plate. A simple dislocation can be reduced by closed means whereas a complex dislocation cannot. Care must be taken not to put traction across the joint, which may cause the volar plate to slip into the joint, converting a simple dislocation into a complex dislocation. Volar dislocations are rare and mainly treated nonoperatively. Sagittal band injuries can be treated with extension splinting or surgical management with direct repair or reconstruction. A locked MCP joint can usually be treated with closed manipulation. This article discusses these injuries and management options.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA. smiresh@gmail.com
authors.forename: Smiresh Suresh
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Techy
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mejia
authors.forename: Mark H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000293:injuries*