Finger dislocations can be painful and alarming, but many are treated successfully by simply putting the joint back into place. However, some rare types of dislocations are more complex and may require surgery to restore proper function.
A recent study featuring Dr. David Kirschenbaum focuses on a rare injury called a volar metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint dislocation, which can be more difficult to treat and may lead to long-term problems if not managed properly.
What is a volar MCP joint dislocation?
This type of injury occurs when the main joint of the finger (the MCP joint) is forced out of position toward the palm side of the hand.
These injuries are very rare compared to more common finger dislocations and often involve significant damage to surrounding ligaments and soft tissues.
How do these injuries happen?
Volar MCP dislocations usually result from traumatic events, such as:
- Falls onto the hand
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
Why some dislocations are harder to treat
In many finger dislocations, doctors can guide the joint back into place without surgery.
However, with this type of injury, soft tissues like ligaments or tendons can become trapped inside the joint, physically blocking it from returning to its normal position.
Because of this, non-surgical treatment often fails, and surgery is frequently needed to fully correct the problem.
What happens if the injury isn’t treated properly?
Delayed or incomplete treatment can lead to:
- Ongoing pain
- Joint instability
- Limited motion
- Arthritis over time
In some cases, improper initial treatment can result in long-term joint damage that may require more advanced procedures later.
How are these injuries treated?
When surgery is needed, the goal is to:
- Restore the joint to its proper position
- Repair damaged ligaments
- Stabilize the joint (sometimes using temporary pins)
After surgery, patients typically:
- Wear a splint for several weeks
- Begin guided hand therapy
- Gradually regain motion and strength
Why early treatment and therapy matter
One of the most important takeaways is that early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes.
Patients who receive timely care and begin early, guided movement after healing begins tend to have:
- Better range of motion
- Less stiffness
- Improved overall function
What this means for patients
If you injure your finger and notice:
- A visible deformity
- Severe pain or swelling
- Difficulty moving the finger
…it’s important to seek medical care right away.
Even though these injuries are rare, proper evaluation ensures you get the right treatment and avoid long-term complications.
Dr. Kirschenbaum contributed to this research to improve understanding and treatment of these complex finger injuries, helping patients achieve better outcomes.