Carpometacarpal dislocation: report of three cases.

Abstract

The case reports of three patients with carpometacarpal dislocations are described. The diagnosis of this condition may be difficult and is often missed. Swelling, dislocation and a palpable lump are the main clinical findings. X-ray findings, the key to the diagnosis, are loss of parallelism, interruption of the so-called M-line and overlapping of articular surfaces. Additional X-rays in different planes are to be recommended if carpometacarpal dislocation is suspected.