Available online 20 January 2023

The present study aimed to examine the dorsal approach to complex MCP joint dislocation and to compare our clinical results with others reported in the literature.

The study retrospectively reviewed the files of patients diagnosed with complex MCP joint dislocation treated in our orthopedics and traumatology clinic between January 2011 and 2022. For all patients, age, gender, affected side, affected finger, injury mechanism, grip strength on the injured side, grip strength in the intact contralateral hand, range of motion of the affected finger, range of motion of the contralateral finger, two-point discrimination, dominant hand and associated bone fractures were recorded. Data analysis used IBM SPSS software, version 22.0 (IBM Corporation, New York, USA).

Median follow-up was 11.5 (7–18) years, and mean age 27.6 (18-52) years. Mean joint range of motion was 83.9° (67-100) post-recovery, and 84.2° (65-100) contralaterally, with no significant difference between the two. Mean two-point discrimination was 2.91 (2.5-3.2) cm in the operated finger, and 2.93 (2.6-3.2) cm contralaterally, with no significant difference between the two. There was likewise no significant difference in grip strength: 88.8 (60-107) lbs, versus 91.8 (70-110) lbs contralaterally.

The dorsal approach is a simple and reliable means of joint reduction, providing visualization of joint bone surfaces and not requiring exploration of neurovascular structures.

Therapeutic, Level III.

Carpal Bone

Metacarpophalangeal Dislocation

Hand Injury

Dorsal approach

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