Indication for CT following index finger metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation – A case report

Currently Kaplan's criteria on examination are used as the gold standard diagnostic tool for complex dorsal dislocations of the index finger Metacarpophalangeal joint. Our case report reveals a situation when the diagnosis was obscure and when conventional X-rays were not beneficial. With the use of CT imaging we were able to confirm the diagnosis of complex dorsal dislocation of the index finger Metacarpophalangeal joint and also reveal multiple other injuries. We feel that CT imaging should be performed on every individual who has been diagnosed with this injury or where the diagnosis cannot be confirmed with conventional methods. CT can be useful in diagnosis of index finger Metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations and also in diagnosing other fractures that may have been sustained in this high energy/impact injury.