Deformity

Phalanx

Engineering

Geotechnical engineering

Materials science

Distal interphalangeal joint

Surgery

Joint (building)

Soft tissue

Geology

Range of motion

Thumb

Anatomy

Interphalangeal Joint

Composite material

Orthodontics

Architectural engineering

Finger joint

Fracture (geology)

Medicine

Metacarpophalangeal joint

Dorsum

Dislocation

Hand Clinics

Fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the finger are often caused by axial load applied to a flexed joint. The most common injury pattern is a dorsal fracture dislocation with a volar lip fracture of the middle phalanx. Damage to the soft-tissue stabilizers of the PIP joint contributes to the deformity seen with these fracture patterns. Unfortunately, these injuries are commonly written off and left untreated. A late-presenting PIP joint fracture dislocation has a poor chance of regaining normal range of motion. The provider must be suspicious of these injuries. Treatment options and algorithm are reviewed.

Management of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture Dislocations