Dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint

Abstract

First carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint dislocations are uncommon injuries. However, they can limit hand functions and lead to serious complications. Herein, we report the case of a multiple trauma man with dorsal dislocation of thumb CMC joint that was successfully treated with closed reduction and casting. The patient was a 47-year-old male with multiple traumas complaining of right wrist pain. Tenderness, deformity, and reduced range of motion of the right thumb CMC joint were observed. X-ray showed dorsal dislocation of the CMC1 joint. Closed reduction of the dislocated joint was performed under general anesthesia, and the joint was immobilized by a thumb-spica cast for 14 days. The patient was eventually discharged in good condition and had no complications or manual dysfunction after a 1-month follow-up. The optimal management of the CMC1 joint dislocations is controversial. The closed reduction seems adequate for these injuries. However, patients whose joints remain unstable after closed reduction, especially those with manual activities, should be considered for open reduction and surgical ligament repair.