Finger injuries are common, but not all are simple. A recent study featuring Dr. David Kirschenbaum takes a closer look at a rare type of injury called a volar metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint dislocation—a condition that can significantly affect hand function if not treated properly.
These injuries occur when a finger joint is forced out of place toward the palm side of the hand. While uncommon, they can be more complex than typical dislocations and often require specialized care.
What makes these dislocations different?
Most finger dislocations happen in the opposite direction (toward the back of the hand), making volar dislocations much less common. Because of this, they can sometimes be misdiagnosed or more difficult to treat.
The study highlights that these injuries often involve damage to important ligaments and soft tissues, which help stabilize the finger joint. In the images shown in the article (see page 2), the joint is visibly out of alignment, demonstrating how significant these injuries can be.
Why surgery is often needed
In many cases, doctors will first attempt to gently guide the joint back into place without surgery. However, this study found that non-surgical treatment frequently fails for this type of injury.
One reason is that soft tissues can become trapped inside the joint, physically blocking it from returning to its normal position. When this happens, surgery is needed to:
- Restore proper alignment
- Repair damaged ligaments
- Stabilize the joint for healing
Real patient examples
The study includes two patient cases that show how different outcomes can be:
- Case 1: An older patient with a little finger dislocation underwent surgery and rehabilitation. Over time, he regained motion, had no pain, and was able to return to normal hand function.
- Case 2: Another patient initially treated without proper stabilization experienced the joint slipping out of place again. This led to ongoing pain, stiffness, and arthritis, eventually requiring consideration of more advanced procedures.
These examples highlight the importance of early and appropriate treatment.
The importance of early care and therapy
One of the key takeaways from the study is that timing matters. Delayed treatment can make surgery more difficult and may lead to worse outcomes.
After treatment, early motion and hand therapy are essential. Patients who begin gentle movement sooner tend to recover better function and avoid stiffness.
What this means for patients
If you experience a finger injury that looks deformed, swollen, or painful:
- Seek evaluation promptly
- Get proper imaging (like X-rays)
- Follow through with recommended treatment and therapy
Even though these injuries are rare, they require careful management to restore normal hand function.
Dr. Kirschenbaum contributed to this research to better understand how these uncommon injuries should be treated and how outcomes can be improved. Studies like this help guide orthopedic specialists toward more effective, patient-focused care.
Read the full article
To learn more, read the full published study:
Management of Non-thumb Volar Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocations: Case Series and Review of Literature