Conservative treatment of scaphoid fracture: Protocol for a systematic review

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone. Fractures affecting this bone affect young and active patients between 15 and 40 years of age. Stable scaphoid fractures are treated conservatively by plaster cast immobilization or other type of orthosis for an average period of four to 12 weeks. Failure to treat scaphoid fractures may result in avascular necrosis, nonunion, and early secondary osteoarthritis, which may result in significant economic and social impact due to the affected population, formed by young people of productive age. The management of this type of fracture varies significantly between different Institutions and orthopedic surgeons. This article describes a protocol for a systematic review that aims to evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of conservative interventions in the treatment of scaphoid fractures in adults.

Cone-beam computed tomography for primary investigation of wrist trauma provides a new map of fractures of carpal bones

In 2016, our primary modality for radiological examination of wrist trauma, was changed from radiography to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This is a retrospective survey of carpal bone fractures detected by CBCT during 6 months in 2016/2017, compared with those found on conventional radiographs during 6 months in 2013/2014. The incidence of carpal fractures was three times higher during the CBCT period (92/100,000 per year) compared with the radiography period (29/100,000 per year) and the spectrum of anatomical locations was different between the two periods, with fractures of the lunate ( n = 6), trapezium ( n = 9), trapezoid ( n = 4) and capitate ( n = 1) detected by CBCT, in contrast to no fractures of these bones diagnosed during the 6 months radiography period. We suggest a more liberal use of CBCT for examination of wrist trauma considering the benefits of being able to give patients a correct primary diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Level of evidence: III

Scaphoid Non-union Fracture of Both Wrists in a Young Elite Wrestler Without Significant Trauma: A Case Report

Special attention is needed to assess constant wrist pain to avoid missed carpal bone fractures after traumatic events. Also, the consideration of avascular necrosis of carpal bones such asscaphoid bone after a traumatic or stress fracture is crucial. We hereby report a young elite wrestler who has been complaining about pain in both wrists for about two years before hisvisit to our clinic. The interesting point about this athlete is bilateral involvement and that the second pathology was probably overuse without any trauma.

Three Cases of Translunate Perilunate Injury Treated with Wrist Arthroscopy

Background An acute fracture of the lunate is an uncommon injury with the reported incidence ranging from 0.5 to 1% of all carpal bone fractures. The combination of lunate fracture and perilunate injury is even rarer and Bain et al first introduced the “translunate arc concept” in 2008. We reported three cases of translunate perilunate injury treated with wrist arthroscopy. Materials and Methods All the three cases had been treated successfully with the use of wrist arthroscopy. A novel technique of arthroscopic reduction and fixation of a volar pole of lunate fracture was illustrated. The lunate fracture healed in all cases with normal carpal alignment. Results All patients achieved a painless and functional joint with good range of motion at an average follow-up of 15 months. There was no radiological evidence of avascular necrosis of the lunate in all three cases. Conclusion Translunate perilunate injury is rare and a high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis. There was no consensus on the surgical approach to this kind of injury. Wrist arthroscopy had proven to be successful in treating the greater and lesser arc perilunate injury. For translunate perilunate injury, wrist arthroscopy is also a feasible option with the advantages of lower risk of arthrofibrosis and avascular necrosis.

Capitate and Hamate Fracture. Case Study

Capitate and hamate fractures are infrequent injuries and are uncommon in isolation. A capitate fracture is usually associated with a scaphoid fracture. The primary mechanism of injury is a fall with the wrist in hyperextension. Other possible ways for capitate fractures are axial down trauma of the third metacarpal and direct trauma. Hamate fractures have a 2% incidence among carpal bone fractures, probably due to underreporting. They can occur on the hamate body or the hamulus or hook. Combined capitate and hamate fractures are uncommon and relevant studies, especially case reports, are scarce. We present a case report of a combined capitate and hamate fracture in a 44-year-old patient who suffered a direct trauma to the back of the hand during a fall. Following a clinical suspicion based on history and physical examination, radiographic and computed tomography (CT) studies were crucial for elucidating the case and proposed treatment, which involved ensuring absolute stability and performing an open reduction, using interfragmentary compression, with the Herbert bone screw implanted in each bone. After the surgical procedure, the patient wore a forearm plaster cast splint for four weeks. A satisfactory outcome was obtained in three months, with a complete range of motion and preserved force compared to the contralateral hand.

An isolated pisiform fracture: a case report

<p class="abstract"><span lang="EN-IN">With overall prevalence between 2% to 3%, carpal bone fractures are not encountered frequently in clinical practice. Amongst these, pisiform fractures have very low incidence of &lt;0.2%, in which, more than half are associated with other carpal injuries, and sometimes ulnar styloid and ligamentous injuries. Thus, diagnosis of isolated pisiform fracture requires a very high index of suspicion. Hereby, authors report an isolated pisiform fracture in a 27 year old dentist who sustained an injury due to fall on outstretched hand. After radiographic confirmation in multiple views and CT scan, isolated-minimally displaced pisiform fracture was found. A below-elbow cast with slight palmar flexion was given for 4 weeks. He returned to normal pre-injury activities at 12 weeks.</span></p>