Clinical Outcome of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocation of the Thumb in Children: Case Series of 10 Patients.
OBJECTIVE
Dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb in children is an uncommon entity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of pediatric patients with metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation of the thumb.


METHODS
Ten pediatric patients with metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation of the thumb were evaluated. Patients were studied prospectively over a period of 3 years. Parameters studied included patient demographics, type of dislocation, management, and any complications.


RESULTS
Mean age of patients was 6.8 years (range: 3-12 years). Seven patients underwent closed reduction and three patients were managed by open reduction. Of the total 10 patients, excellent results were obtained in 9 patients. One of the patients who reported on the fourth day of trauma and was managed by open reduction had mild joint stiffness with a range of motion of 10 to 40 degrees at final follow-up. None of these patients had infection or instability.


CONCLUSIONS
After thorough clinical and radiological examination, closed reduction can be done in incomplete and simple complete dislocations of metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Repeated closed reduction should be avoided in complex complete injuries. Early mobilization is advised to prevent joint stiffness.
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India.
Omar
O
Khursheed
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India.
Ansarul
A
Haq
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India.
Shakir
S
Rashid
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India.
Nazeefa
N
Manzoor
Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, India.
Sarwar
S
Shiekh
Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, India.
Muzaffar
M
Mushtaq
children; dislocation; metacarpophalangeal joint; volar plate