2ND CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT DISLOCATION - AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION

We report a case of a seemingly anatomically impossible dislocation of the second carpometacarpal joint treated by closed manipulation, and a review the literature. Isolated second carpometacarpal joint disloca tion is rare, whereas dislocations of the first, fourth and fifth join ts are more common. A true lateral X-ray is necessary if the injury is suspected clinically. We recommend that closed reduction under local anaesthetic is attempted, although the patient should be warned that s ubsequent open reduction may be necessary if closed reduction fails, C hronic unreduced dislocations do not produce serious disabilities in t he hand.