Interphalangeal Dislocation Workup

Author: Grace M Young, MD; Chief Editor: Rick Kulkarni, MD more...

Updated: May 3, 2011

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Imaging Studies
Procedures
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Imaging Studies

Radiographs

Take anteroposterior, true lateral, and oblique radiographs of the affected digit. Obtain 3 views prior to and after reduction (see the images below).^[11]

Anteroposterior view of distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint dislocation

Lateral view of distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint dislocation

Oblique view of distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint dislocation

Oblique view of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint dislocation

Physeal, avulsion, or distal tuft fractures as well as osteochondral fragments are often subtle and seen only on 1 or 2 views.

Obtain stress views to assess joint stability.

Administer digital block anesthesia 10-15 minutes before any reduction maneuver.
Be sure to remove all rings.

Proceed to Treatment & Management

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Grace M Young, MD Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland Medical Center

Grace M Young, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Emergency Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

James E Keany, MD, FACEP Medical Director, TravelMDAssist; Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Services, Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center

James E Keany, MD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, and California Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Tom Scaletta, MD Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Edward Hospital; Past-President, American Academy of Emergency Medicine

Tom Scaletta, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John D Halamka, MD, MS Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Rick Kulkarni, MD

Rick Kulkarni, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: WebMD Salary Employment

References

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