What Are Metacarpophalangeal Joints?
The metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) are a group of condyloid joints that connect the palm to the fingers. In simple terms, it is the junction of the fingers and the hand bones. The significance of the MCP joint is that it allows the movement of the fingers in different directions. For example, the fingers bend, straighten, and spread apart with the help of the MCP joint. They also help to pinch or grasp objects. Usually, the five metacarpophalangeal joints connect each metacarpal bone to the finger's bone. The primary movements of MCP joints are flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
What Is Volar Subluxation?
Volar dislocation or subluxation occurs due to the weakening of the ligaments that form the fingers and the thumb. The condition is known as volar subluxation when the ligaments that cause extension of the fingers or the thumb become weak. It is commonly seen due to the injuries or forces directed onto the fingers' bones resulting in the joints' hyperflexion. The typical feature of volar subluxation is that the fingers appear flexed, and the patient cannot extend them. Volar subluxation might occur in late childhood or early adolescence with decreased motion and minimal pain. As the age increases, this deformity worsens in appearance.
What Movements Are Permitted by the MCP Joints?
The movements of the metacarpophalangeal joints are listed below:
-
Flexion and Extension - Flexion and extension are considered the most important movements of the MCP joints. The range of motion of flexion is approximately 90 degrees, whereas the range of extension is between 10 degrees in the index finger to 30 degrees in the little finger. The full range of motion of the MCP joint that is present in the thumb is 60 degrees. Structures known as ligaments are present around the joints and the muscles. These ligaments limit the flexion movements on this joint.
-
Adduction and Abduction - The range of motion in abduction (to draw away the limbs from a position) is around 25 to 30 degrees. The structure of the metacarpophalangeal joint restricts these movements. When a person flexes the fingers, the ligaments present in that area prevent the abduction and the adduction (to draw the limbs towards the position) of the joints. Axial rotation is one of the most important movements of the MCP joints, and it can be active or passive. Active rotation will always be directed towards the medial surface of the joint. On the contrary, a passive rotation can occur in any direction.
How Is Volar Subluxation of the MCP Joint Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of the volar subluxation can be made with the help of clinical and radiographic features. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and radiological examination must be made to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnostic methods have been described below:
-
Medical History - A medical history is a verbal communication between the doctor and the patient. It helps the doctor recognize the patient’s illness and gives him a general idea about his medical condition. For example, a patient suffering from volar subluxation might present with pain and hyperflexion of the affected finger.
-
Physical Examination - The doctor might examine the patient physically to check for the clinical signs of volar subluxation. The patient might present with pain, swelling, deformation, and limited movements of the MCP joints.
-
Radiologic Examination - A radiologic examination typically involves taking an X-ray of the patient’s finger. The X-ray machine is positioned over the affected hand, and the images are taken. These images help confirm the volar subluxation.
How Is Volar Subluxation of the MCP Joint Managed?
Subluxation or dislocation of the MCP joint is rare, and volar subluxation is the rarest of all MCP joint injuries. It commonly occurs due to hyperflexion or injuries directed to finger bones. Closed reduction is the first treatment option for volar subluxation. However, an open reduction can be made if the closed reduction is unachievable. As per the study reports, injuries like volar subluxation should be treated with open reduction. Volar subluxation of the MCP joints can be classified into stable, unstable, and blocked. Stable volar subluxations can be managed with closed reduction. However, the ligaments might get damaged during the procedure. Stable volar subluxation does not require any surgical intervention. Blocked volar subluxation is difficult to manage with closed reduction because of the presence of soft tissue between the joints. When closed reduction is performed in unstable volar subluxation, the risk of ligament injury and instability increases significantly.
What Is a Closed Reduction Procedure?
When the joint dislocation or subluxation occurs, a closed reduction procedure is done to place the joints back into the socket. This procedure is mostly done in an emergency room. Suppose the ligaments or soft tissues were not damaged during the procedure. In that case, the doctor might suggest resting the affected area and taking anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and swelling. Once the pain and the swelling have subsided after the procedure, rehabilitation can be done to increase the range of motion and restore muscle strength. The period of recovery depends upon the severity of the injury.
What Are the Benefits of a Closed Reduction Procedure?
The benefits of a closed reduction procedure are listed below:
-
Reduces the tension on the skin and the swelling.
-
Improves the chances of recovery of the affected joint.
-
Reduces pain.
-
Helps the bone to heal quickly and improves bone strength.
-
Reduces the risk of bone infections.
How Is a Closed Reduction of the Volar Subluxation of the MCP Joint Done?
Closed reduction is a minor outpatient procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. The patient is taken to the operation room, and an intravenous line is attached to deliver the sedative. An incision is made in the affected MCP joint to expose the volar structures and the ligament. Next, the orthopedic surgeon will set the affected finger bones and joints in the right position. Finally, the skin will be closed with sutures after the stability of the MCP joint is checked. A splint will be placed on the affected area for two weeks to immobilize it. The doctor might call the patient for follow-up after the procedure, and flexion-extension exercises might be recommended to improve joint activities.
What Are the Risks of the Closed Reduction Procedure?
The possible risks of a closed reduction procedure are listed below:
-
The nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues present around the MCP joint might get injured.
-
A blood clot might form and travel to the other body parts.
-
An allergic reaction might occur after taking the pain medications.
-
New fractures might occur with the reduction procedure.
-
If the closed reduction fails to produce the desired results, surgery might be required.
Conclusion:
Volar subluxation is a rare condition and is not usually seen in daily practice. It can be seen in males and females of any age group. The fingers become flexed due to injuries to the MCP joint. Though closed reduction is commonly preferred for volar subluxation, sometimes open reduction might be made if closed reduction fails to produce the desired results. The patient must not worry as the condition improves after the closed reduction procedure and the volar subluxation is relieved. The patient must consult an orthopedic surgeon to know more about the volar subluxation procedure.