Nine cases of locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint are described. The previously asymptomatic middle finger joint in an elderly person was most likely to be affected. Radiology of the joint has shown degenerative changes in all cases. In two patients, spontaneous unlocking of the joint occurred and in a further six operative release was undertaken. The important anatomical features of the condition are discussed in relation to the mechanism of locking and the surgical treatment.
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