Chip fractures of the triquetrum. Mechanism, classification and results.
Of 231 patients with fractures of the triquetrum, 65 were followed up after a mean period of 46.8 months. The fractures were classified and radiological and clinical follow-up was carried out. Pathomechanical aspects of the origin of the fracture were also considered. It appears that the chisel action of the dorso-proximal edge of the hamate striking against the fully extended and ulnar-deviated wrist is the major cause of the dorsal chip fracture of the triquetrum. Conservative therapy involving immobilization of the injured wrist for 3 weeks proved to be successful. If the bone fragment healed, it took 6 to 8 weeks. There was no indication for surgical intervention. We found no signs of post-traumatic instability of the joint. There was good vascularization of the bone, which excluded the possibility of avascular necrosis. All fractures involving the main body of the triquetrum united.
Höcker
K
K
Traumatological Hospital Meidling, Vienna, Austria.
Menschik
A
A
D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy