Distal interphalangeal joint dislocations of the fingers are uncommon but easily reducible. Irreducible dislocations are quite rare and treatment of such a case is being reported here. Causes of irreducibility have been found to be: volar plate interposition, protrusion of the middle phalanx through the joint capsule, and flexor tendon displacement over the middle phalanx. When these situations occur open reduction is indicated.