Solution for Difficult Problems: Thumb Dislocation

​Finger dislocations in general are relatively simple to identify and treat, but ligament, tendon, or volar plate injuries are often missed. Thumb dislocations can present with or without lacerations, and are often associated with ligamentous injuries. An injured thumb is almost always treated with splinting. Follow-up for these injuries is crucial. Radiographs are useful in locating the areas of injury and identifying avulsion fractures.Thumb dislocation in a 24-year-old man 12 hours after injury.Listen to the patient's story to identify the mechanism by which the injury occurred because mimicking this mechanism is typically the best way to relocate the joint. Patients typically do not need local anesthesia or digital block because relocation techniques are quick and can often be done while simply distracting the patient. Treatment is dependent on your skill level, comfort, and ability to recognize these injuries.Keep in mind that the thumb contributes to 40 percent of hand function. Preservation of its ligament and tendon function is extremely important. Remember that the extensor or flexor pollicis longus and brevis tendons assist with thumb flexion/extension. If only one of these tendons is injured, the alternative extensor or flexor tendon will still allow the patient to extend or flex the thumb.If the ulnar collateral ligament is injured, the patient will have a weak grip. This ligament connects the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints to the proximal phalanx of the thumb...
Source: The Procedural Pause - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs