The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Simultaneous Double Dislocation of the Interphalangeal Joints in One Finger: A Case Report and Literature Review

Document Type : CASE REPORT

Authors
Brandon Lim 1
Ahmed Elhagar 2
Mohamed Shaalan 1
1 School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
2 Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
10.22038/abjs.2025.85462.3897
Abstract
The simultaneous double dislocation of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) in one finger is a rare injury. We present the case of a right-hand dominant male in his late teens who sustained a hyperextension injury to the tip of his left ring finger while playing football. A physical examination followed by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs confirmed dorsal dislocations at both the PIPJ and DIPJ in a “stepladder” deformity. His finger was subsequently splinted for 1 week after which hand physiotherapy was initiated. At 6 weeks follow-up, the patient demonstrated full functional recovery with a full range of motion in both DIPJ and PIPJ with no pain or stiffness. We also provide an up-to-date review of PubMed-indexed case reports regarding simultaneous double dislocations of the DIPJ and PIPJ.
        Level of evidence: V
Keywords
Ball sports
Double dislocation
Finger dislocation
Finger injury
Interphalangeal joints
Subjects
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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 14, Issue 6
June 2026
Pages 417-422

  • Receive Date 19 January 2025
  • Revise Date 26 May 2026
  • Accept Date 08 March 2025