Carpometacarpal joint dislocations as a rare cause of Hhand pain

Abstract

Carpometacarpal joint dislocations represent not more than 1% of all hand injuries due to stable joint structures and high-energy trauma mechanism. Unfortunately, there are many missed cases suffering from ongoing pain and loss of function because of difficulty in diagnosis. Here we present a case of a healthy 42-year male who presented to the emergency department with hand pain after a punch injury. On physical examination, painful swelling at the dorsal side of his right hand was noted. His radiographic images showed dorsal dislocation of fourth and fifth carpometacarpal joints, and the dislocations were reduced to the anatomical position by the emergency physician without any complication. In the case of carpometacarpal joint fracture or dislocations, early diagnosis and reduction are the most critical steps to avoid severe morbidity, and it is only possible with careful evaluation of physical and radiological findings. In conclusion, as seen in our case, emergency physicians should remain vigilant in the diagnosis and treatment of rare traumatic injuries.