Three concomitant locked finger metacarpophalangeal joints caused by degenerative metacarpal heads: Case report

Hand Surg Rehabil. 2021 Sep;40(4):529-531. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2021.03.018. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Abstract

A locked metacarpophalangeal joint (LMCP) is a rare condition often confused with trigger finger. Its causes are numerous and typically divided into two broad categories: acquired LMCP in younger patients, and degenerative LMCP in older patients. This pathology usually affects only one MCP. Even though several external reduction techniques have been described, the main risk of non-surgical reduction treatment is recurrence. Thus, its management is most often surgical. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with 3 simultaneous LMCP (3rd, 4th, and 5th rays of the left hand) due to degenerative metacarpal heads. Surgical treatment was performed and found that locking was due to entrapment of the radial collateral ligament on metacarpal head osteophytes. Full extension was regained at the end of the surgery. The follow-up was uneventful, no recurrence occurred. This case highlights the need for careful examination to prevent medical and surgical wandering for a rare but well-described and easy to treat condition.

Keywords: Articulation métacarpo-phalangienne; Blocage; Chirurgie; Doigts; Fingers; Hand; Locking; Main; Metacarpophalangeal joint; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Exostoses*
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Metacarpal Bones* / diagnostic imaging
  • Metacarpal Bones* / surgery
  • Metacarpophalangeal Joint / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Trigger Finger Disorder*