Neglected irreducible dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe: a case report

Abstract

Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe is rare. We report a case of a 58-year-old man with an irreducible interphalangeal joint of the great toe that had been untreated for 4 years. The mechanism of this injury was thought to be a combination of axial loading with a hyperextension force when the patient hit his great toe against a pipe. Invagination of the sesamoid became a barrier for manual reduction attempted after the initial injury. The patient did not seek treatment because of the minor deformity of the affected great toe and lack of severe symptoms. One year later, symptoms eventually developed on the plantar aspect of the great toe, particularly when the patient was walking upstairs. He decided to seek treatment as pain worsened and he became more active when he changed occupations 4 years later. Manual reduction was impossible. The patient was treated with operative exploration of the joint and arthrodesis of the great toe. The operative course was uneventful. At 4 years after surgery, the patient could walk, run, and walk up and down stairs without discomfort.