Locked Metacarpophalangeal Joint: Case Series, Anatomical Study, and Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.1.2018Keywords:
Metacarpophalangeal joint locking, metacarpophalangeal joint, hand, trigger fingerAbstract
Introduction: Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint locking is a rare condition characterized by the sudden inability to achieve full extension.
Objectives: To present the results of our case series, describe the anatomical study conducted, and propose a treatment protocol for this condition.
Materials and Methods: We report on nine patients treated between 2006 and 2023 who sought medical attention for loss of MCP joint extension after performing forceful manual tasks.
Results: Eight patients underwent surgical treatment, while one achieved joint release through a reduction maneuver. All patients fully recovered their range of motion without complications or recurrences.
Conclusions: MCP joint locking is an uncommon condition. As a treatment protocol, we recommend initially attempting closed reduction. If surgery is required, a palmar approach for the middle finger or a palmar-radial approach should be used, as these provide optimal exposure of the accessory collateral ligament for release and allow for the resection of the bony spur to prevent recurrence.
Downloads
References
Testut L, Latarjet A. Tratado de anatomía humana. 8va ed. Barcelona: Salvat; 1944.
Zancolli EA, Cozzi EP. Atlas de anatomía quirúrgica de la mano. Buenos Aires: Panamericana; 1993.
Thomsen L, Roulot E, Barbato B, Dumontier C. Locked metacarpophalangeal joint of long fingers: classification, definition and treatment based on 15 cases and literature review. Chir Main 2011;30(4):269-75.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.main.2011.01.019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.main.2011.01.019
Harvey FJ. Locking of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1974;56(1):156-9. PMID: 4818845
Yagi M, Yamanaka K, Yoshida K, Sato N, Inoue A. Successful manual reduction of locked metacarpophalangeal
joints in fingers. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2000;82(3):366-71. https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200003000-00007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200003000-00007
Langeskiöld A. Habitual locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint by a collateral ligament, a rare cause of trigger finger. Plastic Reconstr Surg 1950;6(2):175. Disponible en: https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/citation/1950/08000/Habitual_Locking_of_the_Metacarpophalangeal_Joint.19.aspx DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-195008000-00019
Yancey HA, Howard LD Jr. Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1962;44(2):380-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-196244020-00015
PMID: 14040363
Alldred AJ. A locked index finger. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1954;36-B(1):102-3. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.36B1.102 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.36B1.102
Kim JK, Chung MS, Baek GH. Locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger: consideration about the
surgical approach. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2009;34(2):278-80. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193408100956 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193408100956
Published
License
Manuscript acceptance by the Journal implies the simultaneous non-submission to any other journal or publishing house. The RAAOT is under the Licencia Creative Commnos Atribución-NoComercial-Compartir Obras Derivadas Igual 4.0 Internacional (CC-BY-NC.SA 4.0) (http://creativecommons.org/licences/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.es). Articles can be shared, copied, distributed, modified, altered, transformed into a derivative work, executed and publicly communicated, provided a) the authors and the original publication (Journal, Publisher and URL) are mentioned, b) they are not used for commercial purposes, c) the same terms of the license are maintained.
In the event that the manuscript is approved for its next publication, the authors retain the copyright and will assign to the journal the rights of publication, edition, reproduction, distribution, exhibition and communication at a national and international level in the different databases. data, repositories and portals.
It is hereby stated that the mentioned manuscript has not been published and that it is not being printed in any other national or foreign journal.
The authors hereby accept the necessary modifications, suggested by the reviewers, in order to adapt the manuscript to the style and publication rules of this Journal.
