Scaphocapitate fracture syndrome in a child

BACKGROUND: Scaphocapitate fracture syndrome involves transverse fracture of the scaphoid and capitate, with rotation of 90 or 180 of the proximal fragment of the capitate, commonly associated with other carpal lesions. It is a rare wrist injury, usually occurs in young men and is exceptional in children. The exact mechanism remains controversial. The injury is often misdiagnosed as a simple scaphoid fracture and there has been a controversy about the treatment of the capitate fracture in this syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: The authors report a rare case of a scaphocapitate syndrome in a 15-year-old boy. Early open reduction of both fractures was performed. It was obtained a good mobility, with a normal grip strength and the radiographs showed union of both bones without avascular necrosis. DISCUSSION: Most authors agree that regardless of the radiographic appearance of the injury, open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice. The dorsal approach is the most used. The capitate fragment is usually devoid of any soft tissues and is reduced relatively easy with manual pressure, by applying traction to the hand. Reduction and fixation of the capitate must precede that of the scaphoid. K-wires or headless screws may be placed from the proximal to the distal side for the fixation of the scaphoid and capitate. The evolution is marked by the risk of occurrence of head capitate avascular necrosis CONCLUSIONS: This case report illustrates that the scaphocapitate syndrome can occur in children and is important an early diagnosis to initiate timely treatment. Our patient was successfully treated with open reduction and fixation using K-wires.

Bilateral Scaphocapitate Fracture Syndrome: A Case Report with Long-Term Follow up

Carpal bone fracture-dislocation is an uncommon wrist injury. Regarding limited prevalence of such injury, most of orthopedic surgeons have low experience in treatment and handling of these fractures and dislocations. A 25-year-old male worker with an uncommon carpal bone fracture-dislocation, namely bilateral scaphocapitate fracture syndrome, was described. Volar and dorsal approaches were used for reduction and fixation; complete stabilization was achieved after open reduction and fixation using Herbert screws into scaphoid and capitate. A 5-year follow-up showed satisfactory functional and radiographic results. In the case of scaphocapitate fracture syndrome open reduction and internal fixation by compression screws (rather than inserting multiple pins) leads to complete union in scaphoid and capitate. Restoration of normal anatomy in carpus bones can result in long-term satisfactory functional results while preventing possible complications.

Scaphocapitate Syndrome With Associated Trans-Scaphoid, Trans-Hamate Perilunate Dislocation

Background: Perilunate fracture dislocations are often associated with fractures of the distal pole of the scaphoid or the proximal pole of the capitate. However, the combination of perilunate dislocation with multiple carpal fractures and associated scaphocapitate syndrome is very rare. Methods: We report a unique case of scaphocapitate fracture syndrome with perilunate dislocation and fracture of the hamate resulting from a high-energy injury to the wrist during a dirt-bike competition. Results: Open reduction and internal fixation of the scaphoid fracture with a 3.0-mm headless screw, the head of the capitate with a 1.5-mm lag screw, and the hamate fracture with a 1.3-mm lag screw was performed. The lunotriquetral dissociation was reduced, with the ligament repaired and the joint stabilized using a Kirschner wire. All screw heads are carefully buried under the articulate cartilage. Conclusions: Prompt anatomic reduction and stable osteosynthesis of all fractures in this patient resulted in successful healing and return to activity.