The palaeopathology of a finger dislocation

✍ Scribed by Frederick G. Dreier

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 500 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1047-482X
• DOI: 10.1002/oa.1390020106

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The Ruffner collection, a Late Period (AD 500–1800), northern California skeletal sample, was analyzed for osteopathology. A probable fifth‐finger dislocation of the right first and second phalanx was observed in a female aged 25–35 years at death. Traumatic adduction forced the second and third phalanges to slip laterally, upward and back about 10 mm, upon the dorsal surface of the first phalanx. Apparently, the medial collateral ligament of the interphalangeal joint was torn, making reduction impossible. As a result of the luxation, the flexor digitorum profundus slipped laterally and was fixed along the lateral surface of the distal end of the first phalanx. Over time, fusion of the joint restricted the flexion movement and left an abnormally aligned finger.