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Open fracture dislocation wrist

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Open fracture dislocation of the wrist involves complex injuries to the carpal bones, often including the triquetrum, with potential for neurovascular compromise and significant functional impairment 1.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Identification of triquetrum fractures, often dorsal or volar patterns, and associated carpal bone fractures 1.
  • Recommended Tests: Three-dimensional extremity computed tomography (CT) for detailed fracture pattern analysis 1.
  • Grading: Fracture classification systems (e.g., AO/OTA classification) may help in assessing severity and guiding management 1.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for complex fractures involving multiple carpal bones 3.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Early mobilization and physiotherapy to prevent stiffness and optimize function 3.
  • Specific Considerations: Excision of fractured hook of the hamate for isolated fractures in specific populations like competitive golfers 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Awareness of scaphocapitate syndrome in children with distal radius and ulna fractures; prompt ORIF can prevent complications like avascular necrosis 3.
  • Comorbidities: No specific evidence provided for management adjustments in elderly or comorbid patients 132.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize three-dimensional extremity CT for comprehensive evaluation of triquetrum and associated carpal fractures to guide surgical planning (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Perform open reduction and internal fixation for complex wrist fractures involving the triquetrum and other carpal bones to ensure anatomical reduction and functional recovery (Evidence: Expert opinion 3).
  • Consider excision of the fractured hook of the hamate in competitive golfers with isolated hook fractures to facilitate rapid return to sport (Evidence: Weak 2).
  • References

    1 Oh E, Kim HJ, Hong S, Hwang J, Lim H, Park S et al.. Evaluation for fracture patterns around the wrist on three-dimensional extremity computed tomography, especially focused on the triquetrum. Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology 2015. link 2 Aldridge JM, Mallon WJ. Hook of the hamate fractures in competitive golfers: results of treatment by excision of the fractured hook of the hamate. Orthopedics 2003. link 3 Mazur K, Stevanovic M, Schnall SB, Hannani K, Zionts LE. Scaphocapitate syndrome in a child associated with a distal radius and ulna fracture. Journal of orthopaedic trauma 1997. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Evaluation for fracture patterns around the wrist on three-dimensional extremity computed tomography, especially focused on the triquetrum.Oh E, Kim HJ, Hong S, Hwang J, Lim H, Park S et al. Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology (2015)
    2. [2]
    3. [3]
      Scaphocapitate syndrome in a child associated with a distal radius and ulna fracture.Mazur K, Stevanovic M, Schnall SB, Hannani K, Zionts LE Journal of orthopaedic trauma (1997)

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