Dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations are usually the result of a hyperextension mechanism.

Plain radiographs are often sufficient to diagnose a PIPJ dislocation, but it is important to study the digit with proper frontal and lateral radiographs, which unfortunately were not performed in this case. Hand radiographs alone may miss more subtle fractures and/or dislocations of a digit, such as a volar plate avulsion fracture, which was not present in this case.