Iatrogenic displacement of the metacarpal head of the index finger while attempting closed reduction of a complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation

We describe the case of an 84-year-old woman with a dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the left index finger. Closed reduction was performed at an orthopaedic clinic which led to an iatrogenic complete displacement of the second metacarpal head to the volar side. Because reduction was impossible, surgery was performed. The metacarpal head was reduced and fixed with two headless intramedullary screws. Careless attempting a closed reduction of the complex dorsal MCP joint dislocation might be contraindicated in elderly patients with bone fragility.