Delayed diagnosis of isolated ulnopalmar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint and its treatment with open reduction and internal fixation

Abstract

We present a 21-year-old male patient with an isolated ulnopalmar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint that occurred due to a fall on the hand. Diagnosis was delayed for five weeks and closed reduction was not successful. He was treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Upon removal of fixation materials six weeks after surgery, he developed reflex symphatic dystrophy and limitation in joint movements, which disappeared following rehabilitation and medical treatment at the end of 15 weeks. Functional and radiographic results were satisfactory.