Perilunate injuries

Perilunate injuries are complex injuries of the bony and ligamentous structures of the wrist. They require operative management with careful restoration of carpal alignment and open reduction and internal fixation of associated fractures. Even with optimal treatment, mild to moderate dysfunction affects most patients.

Scapholunate dislocation: A rare occupational hazard

Dentists and their assistants are at risk of physical injuries during dental operations. The most common injuries are musculoskeletal. The need to work in a fixed working position using continuous repetitive movements can predispose dentists to wrist ache, lower backache, and neckache. We encountered a rare case of scapholunate dislocation with ligamentous injury, an unusual complication of extraction of teeth.

Perilunate fracture-dislocations of the wrist: comparison of temporary screw versus K-wire fixation

PURPOSE

Temporary intercarpal screw fixation has been suggested as an alternative to temporary K-wire fixation in the treatment of perilunate wrist dislocations. We compared the 2 treatment methods in 2 retrospective cohorts with a null hypothesis that there would be no difference in final wrist motion.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with surgically treated perilunate wrist dislocations (9 treated with intercarpal screws, 9 with intercarpal K-wires) were evaluated an average of 44 months after injury. The intercarpal screws were removed an average of 5 months and the K-wires an average of 3 months after the initial procedure. Complications included 3 pin track infections (1 with wrist sepsis), 2 scaphoid nonunions (screw fixation), and 2 patients with loss of reduction (K-wire fixation) treated with repeat surgery.

RESULTS

Four patients (2 in each cohort) had wrist arthrodesis with poor results. Among the 14 remaining patients the final flexion arc was 97 degrees for patients treated with screw fixation compared with 73 degrees for patients treated with K-wires. The mean grip strength was 74% (screw fixation) and 67% (K-wire) that of the uninjured arm. According to the Mayo Modified Wrist Score, the functional result was excellent in 1 patient (screw), good in 2 patients (1 each group), fair in 6 patients (3 in each group), and poor in 9 patients (4 screws, 5 K-wire). Seven patients (2 screws, 5 K-wires) had grade 2 or 3 midcarpal arthritis according to the criteria of Knirk and Jupiter, but none had more than mild radiocarpal arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of treatment with temporary screws are comparable to the results of treatment with temporary K-wires.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic III.

Volar lunate dislocation associated with a Salter-Harris Type III fracture of the distal radial epiphysis in an 8 year-old child

Carpal fracture-dislocations in children are extremely rare injuries and are easily missed or misdiagnosed. An 8 year-old boy who presented with a volar lunate dislocation associated with a Salter Harris Type III injury of the distal radial epiphysis is reported. Open reduction without internal fixation followed by plaster immobilisation achieved good short-term results.

Imaging of four-corner fusion (SLAC arthrodesis) of the wrist with 64-slice computed tomography

PURPOSE

To find out whether it is possible to evaluate the healing of wrist arthrodesis, carried out with a metallic spider plate, by means of 64-slice computed tomography (CT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

18 CT examinations were performed in 12 patients 2 weeks to 37 months following scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) arthrodesis fixed with a metallic plate. Ten patients also had plain films of the wrist. Radiation doses were estimated.

RESULTS

Plain films were difficult to evaluate due to overprojection of the spider plate. With 64-slice CT, however, it was possible to evaluate the healing process in all patients in spite of metallic artifacts. Radiation doses were low.

CONCLUSION

The healing of SLAC arthrodesis of the wrist is difficult to evaluate with conventional radiography due to the metallic plate. By means of 64-slice CT, however, it was possible to "see under" the plate in all 12 patients.

Closed rupture of the flexor tendons of the index finger caused by a pathological fracture secondary to an intraosseous ganglion in the lunate

We report a rare occurrence of attritional rupture of both flexor tendons of the right index finger in a 71 year-old man with a pathological fracture of the lunate arising from an intraosseous ganglion.

[Bipolar dislocation of the forearm]

The authors report the case of a 23 year old patient, who presented the following combination of injuries after a fall, namely a divergent dislocation of the elbow, a fracture of the radial head, a fracture of the ulna and a perilunate dislocation with scaphoid fracture. The entire injury thus represented a bipolar dislocation of the forearm. The emergency management consisted of a closed reduction of the elbow together with osteosynthesis of the ulna, internal fixation of the scaphoid with a compression screw, and scaphocapitate K wiring. After 26 months, the function of the elbow was satisfactory, and the range of motion of the wrist was from 50 degrees of flexion to 40 degrees of extension. Satisfactory healing of the scaphoid was observed. This combination of injuries has only rarely been reported in the literature.

Outcome after repair of the scapholunate interosseous ligament and dorsal capsulodesis for dynamic scapholunate instability due to trauma

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess outcomes in 17 patients treated with scapholunate (SL) interosseous ligament repair and capsulodesis for dynamic SL instability due to trauma.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 17 consecutive patients included clinical and radiographic examinations to determine outcome after SL interosseous ligament repair and dorsal capsulodesis. The average age at the time of surgery was 36 years, and the postoperative follow-up period averaged 66 months. Outcome measures included the Mayo wrist evaluation system and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores. Pain complaints were measured on a 10-point visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Preoperative and postoperative measurements, respectively, for all patients were obtained as follows: SL gap, 2 versus 3 mm; stress views of the SL gap, 3 versus 4 mm; SL angle, 49 degrees versus 54 degrees ; capitolunate angle, 4 degrees versus 7 degrees . Grip strength was 82% of the uninjured side at the final follow-up evaluations. Pain averaged a 3 out of 10 before and after surgery. Surgery was completed an average of 22 weeks from injury. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores averaged 31, indicating wrist impairment. Three patients developed degenerative changes noted on postoperative x-rays. When patients were evaluated based on daily job requirements (strenuous vs nonstrenuous) there were statistically significant differences. Nonstrenuous job requirements had lower pain scores; better Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores; better Mayo outcomes; better grip strength; and decreased SL gap on stress views. Flexion and extension of the wrist were better in the nonstrenuous group but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior reports evaluating patients for SL ligament repair appeared to be favorable in short-term (1- to 2-y) follow-up periods. In the present report, for patients followed up for an average of 66 months after surgery, the results, clinically and radiographically, appear to deteriorate in those who place high demands on the wrists on a daily basis. Although the numbers in the present study are small, they indicate that SL ligament repair with dorsal capsulodesis may have a place for patients who have normal preoperative static unloaded x-rays and sufficient ligament for repair and who do not place high demands on the wrists on a daily basis. The ideal procedure for this difficult problem continues to remain elusive.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Neglected trans-scaphoid trans-styloid volar dislocation of the lunate

A rare case of radiocarpal dislocation is presented. The lunate and proximal pole of the scaphoid were displaced in a volar and proximal direction. The injury was missed initially and the patient was subsequently operated on six weeks later. Open reduction and internal fixation of the scaphoid was performed and this was followed by an uneventful postoperative period, with a satisfactory functional outcome at the eight-year follow-up, despite carpal instability non-dissociative-dorsal intercalated segmental instability configuration of the carpus.

We believe that although open reduction in neglected cases carries the potential risks of avascular necrosis and nonunion of the affected carpal bones, an attempt should be made to restore the anatomy of the carpus.

Open and arthroscopic treatment of perilunate injuries

Carpal dislocations are rare and complex injuries. Nearly every combination of radiocarpal and intercarpal dislocation has been described, but few fit neatly into a particular pattern or classification scheme. The injury may be subtle clinically and radiographically, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Prompt recognition, accurate reduction, and stable temporary internal fixation all contribute to improved outcomes. Internal fixation techniques depend on the pathology imparted on the carpus. Open reduction, arthroscopic, and fluoroscopically aided percutaneous techniques can be used to successfully treat carpal dislocations. We report our experiences treating perilunate injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V (expert opinion).

Extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture as a result of scapholunate dissociation: a case report

A 39-year-old patient was presented with, to our knowledge, the first ever diagnosed case of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture as a result of scapholunate (S-L) dissociation. Arthroscopic findings showed that the dorsal aspect of the S-L ligament was ruptured and severe synovitis was revealed around the S-L joint. Direct observation revealed synovium at the rupture site of the EPL tendon. After careful resection of this synovium, an aperture in the S-L joint was observed. Thus, it was considered that the synovium in the S-L joint was connected to the rupture site of the EPL tendon, passing through the dorsal capsule of the S-L joint. The ruptured EPL tendon was reconstructed with extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer, and S-L dissociation was treated with a bone-retinaculum-bone autograft taken from the third dorsal compartment region.

Unusual combined scaphoid and lunate fracture of the wrist: a case report

All perilunate fracture-dislocations combine ligament ruptures, bone avulsions, and fractures in a variety of clinical forms. The most frequent is the dorsal trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. In rare cases, however, these dislocations also have been associated with capitate fractures, triquetral fractures, or lunate fracture. We report a combined scaphoid and lunate fracture of the wrist that was not associated with perilunate dislocation.

Sonographic evaluation of scapholunate ligament: value of tissue harmonic imaging

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and conventional (fundamental) sonography in the evaluation of the scapholunate ligament (SLL).

METHODS

The bilateral SLL of 3 patients with unilateral SLL rupture and the bilateral SLL of 20 volunteers without history of trauma were examined. THI findings were compared with conventional sonographic findings.

RESULTS

On conventional sonographic evaluation of 43 normal wrists, the dorsal component of the SLL was partially visible in 10 of the 43 normal wrists (23%) and was completely visible in 33 of 43 (77%) normal wrists. Using THI, the SLL was visible in its entirety in 39 of 43 normal wrists (91%) and was partially visible in 4 of 43 normal wrists (9%). The mean scapholunate distance was 3.3 mm (range, 2.9-4.5 mm) in normal wrists. THI improved visualization of SLL continuity and demonstration of its fibrillar echotexture. In the 3 wrists with clinical and/or radiological evidence of SLL rupture, the SLL was not visible with conventional sonography nor THI; the mean scapholunate distance was 6.1 mm (range, 5.6-6.8 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

THI improves visualization of the SLL.

[Frequency of acute and chronic scapholunate dissociation in distal radius fractures. Different treatment plans]

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of acute scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is crucial for obtaining a favorable result in fractures of the distal radius. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of acute SLD in a prospective study and to differentiate this entity from chronic SLD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 patients with unilateral distal radius fractures were prospectively evaluated for SLD. Stress radiographs were obtained for all patients on the injured side after fixation of the distal radius fractures. In cases of SLD the unaffected side was examined to rule out chronic, bilateral SLD.

RESULTS

Acute SLD was detected in 13 patients (11%), 11 (9.1%) of whom had stage 3 injury. Chronic SLD with bilateral asymptomatic instability was seen in three patients (2.5%).

CONCLUSION

When treating fractures of the distal radius, acute SLD has to be ruled out and to be discriminated from chronic SLD. While acute SLD requires appropriate treatment, immediate treatment of chronic SLD is not indicated.

Greater arc injury of the wrist with fractured lunate bone: a case report

Carpal dislocation and fracture dislocation are uncommon and difficult to treat. Early diagnosis and treatment of such injuries are necessary to prevent progressive carpal instability and traumatic arthritis. Perilunate fracture dislocation is a combination of ligamentous and osseous injuries that involve the 'greater arc' of the perilunate. Despite being severe, these injuries often go unrecognised in the emergency department, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of greater arc injury of the right wrist with fractures of the lunate and ulnar styloid without perilunate dislocation. This pattern of injury cannot be classified in the available literature on greater arc injury.

Trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations: results of screw fixation of the scaphoid and lunotriquetral repair with a dorsal approach

PURPOSE

To review the clinical and radiographic outcome of dorsal trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocations treated with screw fixation of the scaphoid and repair of the lunotriquetral ligament with bone anchors.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients treated over an 11-year period for dorsal trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocations were reviewed retrospectively at a mean of 44.3 months. The mean age of the patients was 28.6 years, and 22 patients were men. Delay to surgery was 3.5 days. Five scaphoids had bone grafting from the distal radius. Six patients developed carpal tunnel syndrome requiring release. The functional outcome was determined by comparing the range of motion of the injured extremity with the uninjured extremity, grip strength, ability to return to pre-injury employment, and overall patient satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation comprised time to scaphoid union, any changes in the lunotriquetral interval, development of a volar intercalated segmental instability pattern, and any development of arthritis over time.

RESULTS

Total range of motion achieved was 91% of the uninjured wrist and grip strength was 80%. Average extension was 54 degrees with an average flexion of 60 degrees . Ulnar deviation was 23 degrees with radial deviation averaging 18 degrees . The average supination was 76 degrees and the average pronation was 76 degrees . All scaphoids united primarily. The average time to union of the scaphoid was 16 weeks. For those scaphoids with bone grafting the union time was an average of 18.4 weeks. The average postreduction lunotriquetral gap was 1.8 +/- 0.4 mm. The average lunotriquetral gap at the last follow-up evaluation was 1.9 +/- 0.6 mm. None of the patients developed a volar intercalated segmental instability deformity. All but 2 patients returned to their pre-injury occupation. All patients, however, returned to some type of employment. Complications included 1 superficial pin track infection that resolved with removal of the pin and a short course of oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

A dorsal approach to the wrist provides adequate exposure for reduction of carpal bones, internal fixation of the scaphoid, and lunotriquetral repair. Although perilunate fracture-dislocations are challenging problems to treat, all of the patients had acceptable pain relief and achieved sufficient range of motion and strength to return to gainful employment.

[Dorsal capsulodesis versus triscaphe arthrodesis in patients with scapholunate dissociation. Do the results depend on the diagnosis or the operation?]

BACKGROUND

Dorsal capsulodesis and triscaphe arthrodesis are possible treatment modalities for patients with scapholunate dissociation. In light of overlapping indications for either operation for patients with carpal instability, it is important to compare the postoperative results.

METHODS

From 1998 until 2002, we operated on 87 patients suffering from scapholunate dissociation. 52 patients were treated by dorsal capsulodesis after R. Berger and 35 patients were treated by triscaphe arthrodesis as published by Watson. Of these 87 patients, we managed to follow-up 77 patients (47 dorsal capsulodesis und 30 triscaphe arthrodesis) with a physical examination, X-ray of the wrists and Krimmer Score.

RESULTS

In terms of grip-strength, range of motion, functional outcome (Krimmer Score), duration of the operation and hospitalisation, the dorsal capsulodesis group performed better (p < 0.05) than the triscaphe arthrodesis group at the time of follow-up. At follow-up, pain reduction was significant in both groups (p < 0.05). Krimmer Score (functional outcome) and the rate of complication was clearly better for the dorsal capsulodesis group as compared to the triscaphe arthrodesis group.

CONCLUSION

In case of non-static scapholunate dissociation, dorsal capsulodesis should be the first choice treatment. In case of a young manually working man with static scapholunate dissociation, it should be a case-to-case decision whether performing a triscaphe arthrodesis or a dorsal capsulodesis. With this investigation we wanted to discuss and demonstrate the difficulties with the differential-indication for the two operations. Generally speaking the postoperative results did not depend on the type of scapholunate dissociation (dynamic versus static) but rather on the chosen surgical procedure.

Partial scapholunate ligament injuries treated with arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage

PURPOSE

To present the early results of arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage using radiofrequency probes for partial (Geissler grades I and II) scapholunate (SL) interosseous ligament injuries of the wrist.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with a mean age of 34 years (range, 18-54 y) presenting with chronic dorsoradial wrist pain unresponsive to initial conservative treatment for a mean period of 12 weeks were included in this study. No patient showed radiologic signs of static dissociation (SL interval, <3.5 mm; mean SL angle, 49 degrees ) before surgery. Diagnostic arthroscopy showed a partial SL tear in 14 patients and redundancy of the ligament in 2. Partial SL tears involved the membranous (proximal) and volar part of the ligament. All lesions were debrided and treated with thermal shrinkage using a bipolar radiofrequency probe.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 9-34 mo). Fourteen patients experienced substantial pain relief whereas in 2 the pain remained unchanged. Eight patients were completely pain free. The mean flexion-extension arc was 142 degrees and the mean grip strength was 78% that of the unaffected side. No patient showed radiologic signs of arthritis or static or dynamic instability after surgery (SL interval remained <3.5 mm; mean SL angle, 53 degrees ). Based on the modified Mayo wrist score there were 8 excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial SL ligament tears can be a source of radial-sided wrist pain. Scapholunate ligament debridement and thermal shrinkage effectively provided pain relief for most of the patients treated. Stability was maintained radiographically. No complications were noted from the use of radiofrequency probes. These reasonably favorable short-term results should be viewed cautiously. A longer follow-up study is necessary to determine the ultimate efficacy of this procedure.

Obvious radiographic scapholunate dissociation: X-ray the other wrist

Obvious radiographic scapholunate dissociation seen on plain radiographs may seem to establish the diagnosis in a patient who presents with wrist pain. This diagnosis, however, is based on the assumption that scapholunate dissociation is caused only by trauma. In questioning this assumption, we present 6 cases of obvious radiographic scapholunate dissociation with similar radiographic findings in both wrists. These cases illustrate the pitfalls of using unilateral wrist radiographs to diagnose traumatic scapholunate dissociation. We chose these cases as representative of more than 75 bilateral cases we are studying. We describe medical histories, physical findings, radiographs, other diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. These patients' injury histories and clinical presentations were not necessarily suggestive of wrist instability. All the patients were asymptomatic in the contralateral, uninjured wrist, despite similarity in radiographic findings. Traumatic scapholunate dissociation cannot be diagnosed with unilateral radiographs, no matter how obvious the findings or suggestive the history of trauma.

[Diagnosis of lunotriquetral instability]

BACKGROUND

Lunotriquetral dissociation with rupture of the lunotriquetral ligament and the radiolunotriquetral and the radiodorsal ligament is usually recognized late. Cinematography, arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy are the diagnostic procedures. Treatment includes nonoperative methods in the case of incomplete lesions but also closed reposition with temporary LT arthrodesis and open ligament repair. In many cases, definitive LT arthrodesis may become necessary. It is the aim to develop a diagnostic algorithm on the base of retrospective analysed data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 1998 to July 2003, 97 cinematographies of the wrist were performed, 22 with the question for a dynamic or static VISI deformity as a sign for lunotriquetral instability. This group of patients was analysed retrospectively to evaluate the diagnostic reliability. Based on these datas, a diagnostical algorithm was established for prospective investigations.

RESULTS

The combination of cinematography, arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging suspected lunotriquetral instability in ten cases so that an arthroscopy was arranged. This way LT-lesions were verified in nine cases. The mean interval between accident and first contact with our institution was five months.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of lunotriquetral injuries is complicated by the long time from trauma to definitive diagnosis. A combination of refined clinical and apparative investigations can lead to a reliable diagnosis.

Funktionelle Ergebnisse nach Entfernung der proximalen Handwurzelreihe bei SNAC- und SLAC-Wrist Stadium II

The proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a motion preserving procedure which creates a new joint without arthrosis. It is a frequently used procedure in stage II of a posttraumatic degenerative arthrosis of the wrist after scaphoid nonunion or scapholunate ligament instability (SNAC-/SLAC-wrist). In this retrospective analysis the functional postoperative results of this operation are compared in light of a homogenous indication (SNAC-/SLAC-wrist stage II). In 38 patients PRC was performed for a stage II SNAC- (n = 29) or SLAC-wrist (n = 9) between June 1994 and March 2002. Postoperative examination included range of motion and grip strength. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS 0 - 100). The DASH questionnaire (disability of the arm, shoulder and hand) was used to evaluate the disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL). Thirty patients (79 %) with a mean age of 39 years (23 - 59) were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 27 months (6 - 100). Mean extension and flexion of the wrist reached 75 degree which was 57 % of the contralateral hand. Mean radial and ulnar deviation was 33 degree corresponding with 52 % of the contralateral hand. The average grip strength was 50 % of the unaffected side. The postoperative DASH score was 27.4. Pain with strenuous activity was reduced by 40 %, resting pain by 77 %. Three patients showed radiological signs of a radiocapitate arthrosis, one patient needed conversion into a complete wrist arthrodesis. Our results are in concordance with the literature. However, our follow-up time is relatively short and we cannot make any conclusion about the long-term outcome. PRC is a technically straightforward procedure for treatment of carpal collapse. For stage II of the SNAC-/SLAC-wrist we consider the resection of the proximal carpal row an alternative procedure to the midcarpal arthrodesis particularly in patients who require less grip strength and when a shorter postoperative immobilization is reasonable.

Ergebnisse der skapholunären Bandplastik zur Therapie der fortgeschrittenen skapholunären Dissoziation

Scapholunate dissociation is one of the most common disorders of the wrist. Untreated it might lead to osteoarthrosis (scapholunate advanced collapse, SLAC wrist). Choosing the best surgical treatment option is still challenging, especially in cases of carpal collapse in combination with beginning osteoarthrosis of the radial styloid and the proximal pole of the scaphoid. We report the results of a homogenous group of eight patients with reducible carpal collapse and beginning arthrosis treated by reconstruction of the scapholunate ligament. The operation was performed 66 (range: 20 to 252) months after trauma. The average length of follow-up was two years. Five patients stated general improvement, while three reported a change for the worse. At follow-up, the average total range of motion of the operated wrist was decreased by 16 % compared to the unaffected side. The average grip-strength (measured with a Jamar dynamometer) was 77 % of the uninvolved wrist. The DASH score was 43 +/- 25. In three cases the Martini score showed a good or an excellent result. The average scapholunate angle was 72.3 degrees preoperatively and decreased to 61.0 degrees at follow-up. At follow-up as well as pre- and postoperatively the carpal height ratio showed pathologic mean values. Therefore, reconstruction of the carpal alignment was not achieved in most of the cases. Progression of the osteoarthrosis has to be expected. Reconstruction of the scapholunate ligament for treatment of carpal collapse with beginning osteoarthrosis therefore remains an unsolved problem.

Capsulodesis of the wrist for scapholunate dissociation

We have had favorable results with our early experience using the Mayo modification of the dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis. Our early experience with this technique has shown improvement in carpal alignment and pain relief with the tradeoff of a mild loss of wrist flexion. These results compare with reported results of the various capsulodesis techniques in evolution. Attention must also be paid as to the stage of dissociation at time of surgery. Dynamic dissociation has been treated with capsulodesis alone, whereas a combination of ligament repair in conjunction with dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis is used to treat both dynamic and static variants. Many other investigators report improvements in scapholunate alignment and improvement in pain relief and function with a loss of wrist flexion as a tradeoff. However, despite technical advances in surgical technique and intraoperative improvement of alignment and gapping, these results may diminish by the 2- to 3-year postoperative period. Scapholunate interosseous injuries remain a challenging problem to even experienced hand and upper extremity surgeons. The Mayo modification of the modified dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis is a technique that may be added to the armamentarium of treatment of this pathologic entity.

Acute coronal plane scaphoid fracture and scapholunate dissociation from an axial load: a case report

Coronal fractures of the scaphoid are rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Axial load injuries that result in a complete coronal fracture of the scaphoid associated with an acute scapholunate dissociation are exceedingly rare. In our patient the radiographic finding of wide scapholunate dissociation was obvious; however, the coronal scaphoid fracture was not recognized initially nor suspected. During surgery the coronal scaphoid fracture was identified, reduced anatomically, and fixed with a compression screw. The scapholunate ligament also was repaired. A good result was obtained with return to sports with extension of 60 degrees and flexion of 70 degrees , grip strength equal to that of the uninjured wrist, and no radiographic problems (arthrosis, avascular necrosis, nonunion).

Carpal fractures in children

Carpal injuries in children are relatively rare. Diagnosis is likely to be missed, or the severity of the injury might not fully be appreciated at the time of presentation. Fortunately, in the majority of cases the fracture heals uneventfully with a low incidence of complications. As in adults, the scaphoid is most susceptible to injury and the capitate, which often presents in association with other carpal bone injuries, the next most susceptible. Other carpal bone fractures are very unusual and the literature largely is confined to case reports or very small series. This review article lists the common carpal injuries in children and suggests a treatment plan in each case, emphasizing the importance of having a high index of suspicion when faced with a child with a wrist injury and seemingly normal radiographs.