From the Guidelines
The subluxation of the 5th digit is typically caused by joint laxity, which is a risk factor for hand osteoarthritis, as stated in proposition 1 of the EULAR evidence-based recommendations 1. This condition can also be caused by trauma or injury to the finger, particularly to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, which can lead to damage to the collateral ligaments or the volar plate that normally stabilize the joint. Some key points to consider include:
- Joint laxity is a significant risk factor for hand osteoarthritis, and subsequently, 5th digit subluxation, as supported by the EULAR recommendations 1.
- The mechanism of injury usually involves damage to the supporting structures of the joint, leading to partial dislocation of the proximal phalanx from its normal alignment with the metacarpal head.
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ligament laxity, or congenital abnormalities can also predispose individuals to 5th digit subluxation.
- Treatment typically involves reduction of the subluxation, followed by splinting for 3-6 weeks to allow healing, and in severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to repair damaged ligaments or realign the joint, as implied by the need for careful assessment and monitoring of functional impairment in hand OA 1. It is essential to note that the provided evidence from studies 1, 1, and 1 is related to dental trauma and does not directly apply to the subluxation of the 5th digit. Therefore, the most relevant information comes from the EULAR evidence-based recommendations 1, which highlights the importance of joint laxity as a risk factor for hand osteoarthritis and subsequent 5th digit subluxation.
From the Research
Causes of 5th Digit Subluxation
There are no direct research papers provided to assist in answering this question. However, some studies discuss subluxation in general:
- Subluxation can occur due to various reasons, including trauma, anatomical variations, and increased ligament flexibility 2.
- In the context of shoulder subluxation, it is a common post-stroke complication affecting up to 80% of stroke subjects, and the pathomechanics at the skeletal level does not provide the structural base for the neural-motor recovery 3.
- Some studies discuss the reduction of subluxation, including the use of local anesthesia, orthosis/support, taping, and robotic training 3, 4.
- The management of subluxed shoulder or joint has always been a challenge, complicating the motor and functional recovery 3.
Related Studies
Some studies provided discuss subluxation in different contexts:
- A study on the use of intraoral local anaesthetic to aid reduction of acute temporomandibular joint dislocation 5.
- A study on landmarks for positioning and local anesthesia to improve success and experience in reduction of the dislocated temporomandibular joint 2.
- A study on rehabilitation methods for reducing shoulder subluxation in post-stroke hemiparesis 3.
- A study on the reduction of traumatic, primary anterior shoulder dislocations with local anesthesia 4.