Complex dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. A pathoanatomic classification of the injury

There are five pathoanatomic types of complex dislocations of the PIP joints. Early diagnosis, surgical anatomic repair, and early motion with dynamic splinting leads to the best results. Type 2 complex dislocations have associated central slip tears and may necessitate static splinting. Type 5 should probably be called a chronic injury because the surgical indication is soft tissue contracture, not tissue interposition. Unfolded collateral ligaments and PIP Stenner's lesions causing subluxations, are complex injuries not dislocations. The ulnar digits are more susceptible, and there is no relationship to dominance. Finally, torsion is an essential force in creating complex PIP dislocations.