Irreducible Dorsal Distal Interphalangeal Joint Dislocation of Finger: A Case Report and Perspectives on Management

Irreducible closed dorsal dislocation of distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the finger is a rare injury. The causes of irreducibility of the DIP joint are volar plate interposition, entrapment of flexor digitorum profundus tendon behind the head of middle phalanx, and buttonholing of the middle phalanx head through the volar plate or flexor tendon. Open reduction with a volar approach is recommended with the advantages of better wound healing, ease of releasing entrapped structures, and possibilities of a volar plate, collateral ligaments, and/or flexor tendon repair. We report a case of irreducible dorsal dislocation of left ring finger DIP joint secondary to volar plate interposition treated successfully with open reduction.