Carpal fractures excluding the scaphoid.
Although carpal fractures other than of the scaphoid are uncommon, vigilance in diagnosing these potentially serious fractures is paramount to early and effective treatment. Physical examination and standard plain radiographs may reveal only subtle findings. Use of special radiographic views and computed tomography may help elucidate the diagnosis. Treatment is particular to each fracture. Nondisplaced fractures should be treated nonoperatively. For intra-articular carpal bone fractures, virtually any amount of displacement is unacceptable and requires reduction and fixation. This article organizes current knowledge of these potentially difficult fractures, with a table of diagnosis and treatment guidelines.
Vigler
Mordechai
M
Hand Surgery Service, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10003, USA.
Aviles
Alberto
A
Lee
Steve K
SK
D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures