gms | German Medical Science

Objectives/Interrogation: Dislocations of radiocarpal joint represent rare, high-energy injuries that make up to 0,2% of all dislocations. Usually, dislocations are associated with serious soft tissue lesions, open fractures with volar or dorsal destruction and possible vascular or neurologic deficit.

Methods: Authors report a case of isolated dorsal radiocarpal dislocation (Dumontier type I, Moneim type I) with volar opening (Gustillo II) and partial lesion of muscle tissue of flexor digitorum muscles of the 4th and 5th finger, of the right, dominant arm, in an adult, after fall from a height. The treatment consisted of open reduction and temporary arthrodesis with bridging external fixator and two parallel K wires placed percutaneouly in a radiocarpal direction. After 8 and half weeks external fixator and K wires were removed and active rehabilitation was started. The rehabilitation lasted for 3 months.

Results and Conclusions: Early results after 6 months showed the range of motion (dorsal flexion 30°, palmar flexion 45°, radial abduction 15°, ulnar abduction 20°). Also, at the same time VAS score measured 1,4/10 and Quick DASH Score 56,81/100.

Radiocarpal dislocations are demanding injuries since residual radiocarpal instability, pain, stiffness and early posttraumatic wrist degeneration are common outcomes.