metacarpophalangeal dislocation
Last reviewed 01/2018
This injury is forced by hyperextension at the metacarpophalangeal joint. This injury usually occurs in either the thumb or the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. This type of injury may occur, for example, in a goalkeeper as he tries to save the ball but only manages to get part of his hand to the ball.
The dislocation is reduced - a closed reduction is attempted at first (this involves pulling on the thumb and levering the phalanx forwards) but this type of may fail an require open reduction. The joint is strapped for about a week in a flexed position.