During bowling, a twenty year old man could not pull out his middle finger from the ball in release and injured his finger. X-ray revealed a palmar fracture- dislocation of the PIP joint. We manipulated the PIP joint, but a gap remained at the fracture site on the X-ray after reduction. Surgical treatment was performed with a screw. Postoperatively, the middle finger was fixed with a splint for two weeks, and then active range of motion exercises were started. One year after the operation, the fracture had healed with a congruous joint surface, and the patient had full range of motion in the middle finger with no difficulties in activities of daily living. The etiology of a palmar fracture-dislocation of the PIP joint is still controversial, but we suggested the mechanism of the fracture-dislocation was caused by a shearing force to the middle phalangeal base from a dorsal direction. The main cause of the current injury was the poor fit between the middle finger and the hole of the bowling ball. Bowling is a popular and safe sport, but we should be aware of unexpected hand injuries related to bowling which may occur, especially in players at a recreational level. Key pointsWe presented a palmar fracture-dislocation of the PIP joint in a middle finger that occured while bowling.We discussed the mechanism and suggested the main cause of the injury was the poor fit between the middle finger and the hole of the bowling ball.We advised that while bowling is recognized as a safe sport, due to its popularity we should be aware of unexpected hand injuries which may occur, especially in players at a recreational level.
Keywords: PIP joint; Palmal fracture-dislocation; bowling; sports.