Volar Wounds: Understanding Injuries to the Palm & Sole of Foot

A volar wound is any injury that has to do with the palm of the hand or sole of the foot; the term volar refers to either of those two areas.

Types

• The most common type of volar wound is plate avulsion, which occurs when a muscle is forced beyond its normal range of motion.

Hyperextension

• Hyperextensions can result from chips or avulsions in the volar plate.

Function

• A very thick ligament, the volar plate helps prevent hyperextension from occurring.

Dislocation

• When a great enough force is exerted, the joint that is protected by the volar ligament may become dislocated.

Time Frame

• Treatment for most volar injuries, such as hyperextension, often consists of immobilization for up to four weeks.