What question did this study set out to answer?

The report aims to highlight an unrecognized cause of irreducible volar subluxation of the DIP joint in the small finger.

February 28, 2026

Irreducible Volar Subluxation of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint: An Unrecognised Cause

Key Points

The report aims to highlight an unrecognized cause of irreducible volar subluxation of the DIP joint in the small finger.
Described a rare case following a sports injury.
Attempted closed reduction which failed.
Performed open surgery to reveal underlying entrapment.
Utilized specific joint positioning to achieve successful reduction.
Identified ulnar condyle entrapment between the extensor tendon and displaced ORL.
Achieved successful reduction by flexing the PIP joint and extending the DIP joint.

Abstract

This report describes a rare case of irreducible closed volar subluxation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the small finger following a sports injury. Closed reduction failed, leading to open surgery, which revealed ulnar condyle entrapment between a partially torn extensor tendon and volarly displaced oblique retinacular ligament (ORL). Flexing the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint to 90° while extending the DIP joint relaxed the ORL, enabling dorsal repositioning and successful reduction. Awareness of this mechanism may help hand surgeons achieve effective reduction. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)

AI에게 질문

Bookmark