IntroductionMultiple carpometacarpal dislocations are rare. [1][2][3][4][6][7][8][9][10][14][15][16]19 Divergent carpometacarpal dislocations are even rarer. 1,2,4,10,17 The second most common joint dislocated in adults is the elbow, which accounts for 20% of all dislocations. There is posterolateral displacement in most cases. 11, 13 We report an unusual case of combination of all three: divergent carpometacarpal joints dislocations, distal radius fracture, and posterior elbow dislocation. As far as we are aware, this has never been reported before in the literature.
Case reportA 35-year-old male fell off a speeding scooter after a collision. He presented in the emergency department with pain in the left elbow, left wrist and left hand. The vital signs were stable. Physical examination revealed a swollen hand and marked deformity of the elbow. No distal neurovascular deficit was recorded in the injured extremity. Initial radiographs showed a posterior dislocation of elbow, a distal radius fracture, and a divergent fracture dislocation of the carpometacarpal joints of all four fingers ( Fig. 1) with palmar displacement of the index and middle, dorsal displacement of the ring and little finger, a comminuted fracture of the fourth metacarpal base, a divergence between the fourth and fifth metacarpals (Fig. 2), and a non-displaced fracture of the first metacarpal. The same day, under regional anaesthesia, closed reduction was attempted. The elbow dislocation was easily reduced and post-reduction X-rays showed satisfactory reduction with no associated fractures (Fig. 3). Fixation of the distal radius fracture was accomplished with percutaneous Kirschner wires under radiographic guidance. Closed reduction of the carpometacarpal dislocations was easily accomplished by gentle linear traction and direct pressure over the dislocated metacarpal bases.Fixation was accomplished with percutaneous Kirschner wires across the carpometacarpal joints (Fig. 4) under radiographic guidance. An above elbow plaster splint with the wrist in neutral position was applied. The elbow mobilization was started from 2 weeks after reduction, and active physiotherapy of the fingers was