Results of the Treatment of Carpo-metacarpal Joints Dislocations.

Abstract

Background: Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint dislocations are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all hand injuries. They result from direct high-energy blows to the hand, i.e. falls on the outstretched hand, falls from bicycles or punching one's fist against an object. The objective of this case-series study was to analyse the results of treatment of these injuries in 6 patients who presented to the author's institution.

Material and methods: In the 3-year period between 2021 and 2023, a total of 6 male patients, mean age of 39 years, with CMC joints dislocations were treated. Three patients had single CMC joint dislocation and the other three had 2 or 3 CMC joints dislocated. Three patients had concomitant fractures of metacarpals or the hamate. Four patients were treated operatively, one conservatively, and one patient with a neglected injury was given physiotherapy. Results were assessed at an average of 16 months post-treatment by a telephone interview in 5 patients.

Results: None of the patients reported pain at rest in his hand and 4 reported mild pain after major loading of the hand. Two patients reported minor pain when the weather changed. Function of the hand as assessed with the quickDASH form was normal. All patients believed that they had fully recovered and all had resumed their pre-injury jobs.

Conclusions: 1. Presented case-series shows satisfactory outcomes of the treatment of CMC joint dislocations, both in isolated injuries and in complex cases. 2. Early diagnosis and rapid reduction of joint dislocations are crucial to regaining proper hand function.