Interphalangeal dislocation of toes: a retrospective case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Although not uncommon, dislocation of the toes, including that of the great toe, is not commonly reported in published studies. In the present report, we describe a series of 18 patients with toe dislocations managed by our department from January 2001 to December 2007. We considered the radiographic pattern of injury in our series of patients. Of the 18 patients, 10 (55.56%) had their toe dislocations treated by closed reduction with or without internal fixation. Seven patients (38.89%) with complex dislocation, defined as open dislocation or dislocation not amenable to (failed attempt) closed reduction, that required open reduction and internal fixation. One patient (5.56%) with a dislocated toe declined to undergo any form of treatment.