eMedicine Specialties > Sports Medicine > Wrist and Hand
Wrist Dislocation
Updated: Aug 21, 2008
Introduction
Background
Wrist injuries are common among athletes. Emergency physicians and/or family practitioners frequently perform the initial evaluation of wrist injuries and determine the initial treatment. Recognizing wrist dislocations early and properly referring patients with wrist dislocations can prevent complications, including prolonged pain and discomfort, surgery, and lost time from sports participation.
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Breaks, Fractures, and Dislocations Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article, Wrist Injury.
Related eMedicine topics:
Dislocation, Hand
Fracture, Wrist
Hand, Fracture and Dislocations: Metacarpal
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Exercise and Sports Medicine
Resource Center Joint Disorders
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Frequency
United States
In a study by Larsen and Lauritsen, as many as 2.5% of all emergency department visits were made by patients with wrist injuries.1 A small number of those patients present with wrist dislocations. Subluxations and dislocations account for 10% of carpal injuries, with perilunate dislocation being the most common type of dislocation.2
Functional Anatomy
The wrist joint is composed of distal radial and ulnar surfaces, 8 carpal bones, and the proximal metacarpal bones. The distal carpal row consists of the following bones: hamate, capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium. The proximal row consists of the following bones: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform.
The carpal bones are held together by a complex set of ligaments, including the interosseous, volar, and dorsal ligaments and a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFC). The dorsal ligaments are weaker than the volar ligaments, making dorsal dislocation more common.2
Related eMedicine topic:
Hand, Anatomy
Sport-Specific Biomechanics
The mechanism of injury for a wrist dislocation is usually a fall on an outstretched hand (ie, FOOSH injury) that results in a hyperextension type of injury to the wrist. High energy is a common characteristic feature in these injuries.3 The distal row of carpal bones is commonly displaced dorsal to the proximal row. This displacement occurs as a result of a scaphoid fracture or a scapholunate dislocation, and if the force is severe, a perilunate dislocation occurs.4 Trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocation is slightly more common than perilunate dislocation.
Different posttraumatic deformity patterns can cause the lunate to lose its linear relationship with the capitate and to tilt dorsally or volarly, resulting in a collapse deformity. The most common collapse deformity is caused by the lunate dorsiflexing on the radius. This is compensated by the capitate flexing volarly. This deformity is also known as the dorsiflexed intercalated segment instability (DISI) pattern. DISI normally occurs in unrecognized scaphoid subluxations or scaphoid fractures. The opposite type of deformity is known as the volar intercalated segment instability (VISI) pattern. Although VISI can be seen in healthy patients with lax ligaments, posttraumatically, it is a result of the lunate flexing volarly on the radius as the capitate tilts dorsally.5,6 VISI also is a sign of midcarpal instability or lunotriquetral injury.
Mayfield and coworkers have classified wrist dislocation as follows (see Image 5)7 :
- Stage I – Scapholunate dislocation resulting from a tear in the scapholunate interosseous ligament and radiolunate ligament
- Stage II – Lunate-capitate subluxation resulting from injury to the capitolunate joint
- Stage III – Lunate-triquetral dislocation resulting from injury to the triquetrolunate interosseous ligament
- Stage IV – Lunate dislocation resulting from dorsal radiolunate ligament injury
Related eMedicine topics:
Distal-Third Forearm Fractures
Perilunate Fracture Dislocations
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Fracture
Resource Center Trauma
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Clinical
History
The typical history for a wrist dislocation is one of an athlete who has fallen on an outstretched hand to break a fall or who has mistimed a landing, as in gymnastics.8 The patient usually presents with vague wrist pain and the sensation of clicks or clunks. Patients may also complain of decreased grip strength with minimal pain. Localized pain is sometimes reported.
Related Medscape topic:
Resource Center Exercise and Sports Medicine
Physical
- Localized tenderness, especially over the dorsoradial aspect of the wrist, may be revealed. The tenderness is worse with dorsiflexion.
- Crepitus or a click with movement and apprehension with radial or ulnar deviation are signals of instability.
- A positive ballottement test result is suggestive of wrist dislocation. To perform the ballottement test, the physician grasps the lunate between the index finger and the thumb of one hand and the triquetrum with the other hand. Volar and dorsal (forward and backward) laxity, crepitus, and pain yield a positive test finding.8
- To perform a volar and dorsal shift test, the physician stabilizes the patient's forearm with one hand and volarly and dorsally translates the patient's wrist with the other. Volar subluxation at the midcarpal joint is normal, whereas dorsal subluxation indicates scapholunate instability.4
- Tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox can indicate a carpal etiology of pain, although it more reliably suggests a scaphoid fracture.
- A decrease in grip strength may also be seen in patients with wrist injury.
- Median nerve symptoms may be present as a result of volar displacement of carpal bones into the carpal tunnel.9
- Lunate dislocation can cause volar swelling on the median nerve. This swelling causes a decrease in 2-point discrimination in the median nerve distribution due to acute carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients with lunate dislocations often prefer to hold their fingers in partial flexion because they have pain on active and passive extension.5
- Perilunate dislocation can appear with considerable swelling. A miniature "dinner-fork" deformity is often present, which is produced by dorsal displacement of the distal fracture fragments. The edge of the capitate may be palpable if the swelling is not profound.
- Scapholunate dislocation usually presents with a minimal amount of swelling, and pain is localized over the dorsal scapholunate region. Pain is increased by dorsiflexion. Tenderness over the scaphoid tuberosity may also be present.5
Related eMedicine topics:
Carpal Bone Injuries
Fracture, Wrist
Radius, Distal Fractures
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Fracture
Resource Center Trauma
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Causes
- Repeated stress on carpal ligaments renders them more prone to injury, especially in athletes.
- The carpal bones serve as a link between the hands and the upper body; a great deal of force is transmitted through them.
- Sports with increased force vectors (height and speed), such as adult in-line skaters and football players,10 commonly experience such injuries. Other examples of risks are falls from a height; these occur in athletes such as gymnasts, among others.
- Although high energy is the most common cause of injury, some reports describe low-energy trauma as the cause of carpal dislocation.11
Differential Diagnoses
Carpal Bone Injuries
Hamate Fracture
Hand Dislocation
Other Problems to Be Considered
- de Quervain tenosynovitis
- Dorsal intercalated segment instability / volar intercalated segment instability (DISI/VISI)
- Distal radius fracture
- Distal radial-ulnar joint injury or subluxation
- Gout
- Scaphoid fracture
- Scaphoid nonunion
- Septic wrist (see Septic Arthritis [Orthopedic Surgery section] and Septic Arthritis [in the Radiology section])
- Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFC) tear
Workup
Laboratory Studies
- Laboratory studies typically are not necessary in the evaluation of wrist dislocations if the history includes acute injury.
Related Medscape topic:
Specialty Site Pathology & Lab Medicine
Imaging Studies
- Plain radiographs are helpful.
- Obtain posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs in all patients who present with a history of acute wrist trauma.
- PA and lateral radiographs should also be obtained with 10- to 15-lb traction on the upper arm.
- The normal PA view should show 2 rows of carpal bones in a normal anatomic position with uniform joint spaces of no more than 1-2 mm. No overlap should be seen between the carpal bones or between the distal ulna and the radius.
- On a normal lateral radiograph, the 4 C s should be easily visualized. The 4 C s are the convexity of the distal radius, the convexity and the concavity of the lunate, and the convexity of the capitate (see Image 6).
- A longitudinal axis aligns the radius, the lunate, the capitate, and the third metacarpal bone. The scapholunate angle is normally 30-60° (see Image 6).4
- One order of obtaining radiographs is as follows:
- Anteroposterior (AP) and/or PA views, with the lateral view as a screening test
- Navicular series
- Possibly, a clenched-fist view with radial and ulnar deviation. (This forces the capitate head into the scapholunate joint and widens it if laxity is present.)
- Possibly, traction views
- Possibly, comparison views, especially in patients with nonfused growth plates
- Radiographic findings for the various types of dislocation are as follows:
- Lunate dislocation: On the usual PA image, the lunate has a trapezoidal shape that changes with flexion and extension. In this type of dislocation, the lunate is displaced volarly and rotated with the capitate. The rest of the carpal bones are in a normal anatomic position in relation to the radius. On the lateral radiograph, the lunate has the classic "spilled-teacup" sign from the disruption of the 4 C s. On the PA image, the lunate has a triangular or pie shape (see Image 1).
- Perilunate dislocation: The lunate is in a normal anatomic position with respect to the radius, and the rest of the carpal bones are displaced dorsally. On the PA radiograph, crowding is evident between the proximal and distal carpal bones (see Images 2-3).
- Scapholunate dislocation (rotary subluxation of the scaphoid): On a PA radiograph, the scapholunate space is usually greater than 4 mm, a scenario also known as the Terry-Thomas sign, named after the British comic with frontal dental diastema.12 On the clenched-fist and PA views with the wrist in ulnar deviation, the scapholunate gap is increased. The scaphoid rotates to a more transverse position when the ligaments between the lunate and scaphoid are interrupted, increasing the scapholunate angle to greater than 60°.2 This rotation causes the scaphoid to be viewed end-on, producing the classic signet-ring sign (see Image 4).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be considered for patients with wrist pain or instability but who have normal radiographic findings. MRI may be less important in patients with a ligament injury; in these patients, arthrography may be considered.
Related Medscape topics:
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Specialty Site Radiology
Treatment
Acute Phase
Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
The rehabilitation of wrist injuries can be divided into 5 phases, as follows5 :
- Phase I: Control inflammation and edema by using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
- Phase II: Restore the normal soft-tissue environment by using modalities such as scar massage, whirlpool therapy, and elastomer application.
- Phase III: Increase range of motion (ROM).
- Phase IV: Increase strength.
- Phase V: Work on hardening and/or conditioning.
Proper pain control and anti-inflammatory medication are the cornerstone of all phases of rehabilitation.
Related eMedicine topics:
Skin, Tissue Expansion
Toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Pain Management: Advanced Approaches to Chronic Pain Management
Resource Center Pain Management: Pharmacologic Approaches
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy can be an essential part of rehabilitation, depending on the expertise of the therapist and the motivation of the patient.
Medical Issues/Complications
An expected outcome of surgical reduction of a wrist dislocation is some loss of motion (see Treatment, Acute Phase, Surgical Intervention). The goal of surgery and rehabilitation is to minimize the loss of motion in the athlete (see Maintenance Phase, Rehabilitation Program).
Surgical Intervention
Closed reduction of the wrist dislocation can be attempted after a complete neurovascular examination is performed and proper radiographs are obtained. The patient should be adequately anesthetized by means of an axillary block or general anesthesia. Closed reduction may be difficult if not impossible; the patient should be advised that open reduction may be needed.
For a perilunate dislocation, initial dorsiflexion is followed by gradual volar flexion. Pronation is then used to reduce the capitate back into the lunate.5
For a lunate dislocation, the steps of perilunate reduction are followed by the operators stabilizing the lunate with their thumb as the capitate is brought into palmar flexion. The initial stages of reduction reproduce the perilunate dislocation before the final reduction.
With a scapholunate dislocation, the wrist is dorsiflexed and radially deviated.
Once closed reduction is attempted, PA and lateral radiographic images are obtained to confirm adequate reduction. The carpal bones are then pinned with Kirschner (K) wires because closed reduction is rarely effective by itself. If closed reduction is not successful, the surgeon must attempt open reduction. The wrist is then placed in a cast for 4-6 weeks.
Early diagnosis and anatomic reduction was noted to be essential in a report by Martinage et al13 ; they can also provide satisfactory functional results. Thus, emergency surgical treatment is required. The investigators preferred a dorsal approach and did not perform primary closed reductions.13
Related eMedicine topics:
Anesthesia, General
Hand, Anesthesia: Blocks
Local Anesthesia and Regional Nerve Block Anesthesia
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Vascular Surgery
Specialty Site Neurology & Neurosurgery
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Specialty Site Radiology
Specialty Site Surgery
Consultations
Promptly consult an orthopedic specialist.
Other Treatment
Most complications can be avoided with prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Recovery Phase
Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
The type of physical therapy depends on the needs of the individual patient. Therapeutic modalities may be continued throughout the recovery phase, in addition to ROM and strengthening activities as needed.
Maintenance Phase
Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
The goal of the maintenance phase is for the patient to regain full strength and ROM of the wrist to enable him or her to complete functional daily activities and to gradually return to sports participation or work. The patient independently functions in a work-hardening or sport-specific training program during this phase to continue strengthening to the affected upper extremity.
Medication
Pain control is essential in providing quality patient care to those with wrist dislocations. Pain control ensures patient comfort and aids physical therapy regimens.
Related eMedicine topics:
Cyclooxygenase Deficiency
Toxicity, Acetaminophen
Toxicity, Narcotics
Toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Adverse Drug Events Reporting
Resource Center Opioids: A Guide to State Opioid Prescribing Policies
Resource Center Pain Management: Advanced Approaches to Chronic Pain Management
Resource Center Pain Management: Pharmacologic Approaches
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are most commonly used for the relief of mild to moderate pain. The effects of these agents in the treatment of pain tend to be patient specific, yet ibuprofen is usually the drug of choice (DOC) for initial therapy. Other NSAIDs may also be used.
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors may be considered in patients with adverse effects to the NSAIDs discussed here.
Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)
DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Dosing
Adult
400 mg PO q4-6h, 600 mg PO q6h, or 800 mg PO q8h while symptoms persist; not to exceed 3.2 g/d
Pediatric
20-70 mg/kg/d PO divided tid/qid; start at lower end of dosing range and titrate; not to exceed 2.4 g/d
Interactions
Coadministration with aspirin increases the risk of serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase the concentrations and, possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease the effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT duration with concurrent anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, renal insufficiency, or high risk of bleeding
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in the presence of coagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
May inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which, in turn, inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis. These effects may result in analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Dosing
Adult
200-300 mg/d PO divided bid/qid
Pediatric
Not established
Interactions
Coadministration with aspirin increases the risk of serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase the concentrations and, possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease the effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT duration with concurrent anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion are at risk of acute renal failure; leukopenia occurs rarely, is transient, and usually resolves during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of the drug.
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)
For the relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Small initial doses are indicated in small or elderly patients and in those with renal or liver disease.
Doses >75 mg do not increase the therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution, and closely observe patient for response.
Dosing
Adult
25-50 mg PO q6-8h prn; not to exceed 300 mg/d
Pediatric
<3 months: Not established
3 months to 12 years: 0.1-1 mg/kg PO q6-8h
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Interactions
Coadministration with aspirin increases the risk of serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase the concentrations and, possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease the effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT duration with concurrent anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in the presence of coagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
Naproxen (Naprelan, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
For the relief of mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis.
Dosing
Adult
250-500 mg PO bid; may increase to 1.5 g/d for limited periods
Pediatric
<2 years: Not established
>2 years: 2.5 mg/kg/dose PO; not to exceed 10 mg/kg/d
Interactions
Coadministration with aspirin increases the risk serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase the concentrations and, possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease the effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT duration with concurrent anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; leukopenia occurs rarely, is transient, and usually resolves during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of the drug.
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Inhibits primarily COX-2. COX-2 is considered an inducible isoenzyme, induced during pain and inflammatory stimuli. Inhibition of COX-1 may contribute to NSAID GI toxicity. At therapeutic concentrations, COX-1 isoenzyme is not inhibited; thus, GI toxicity may be decreased. Seek the lowest dose of celecoxib for each patient.
Dosing
Adult
200 mg/d PO qd; alternatively, 100 mg PO bid
Pediatric
Not established
Interactions
Coadministration with fluconazole may cause an increase in celecoxib plasma concentrations because of inhibition of celecoxib metabolism; coadministration of celecoxib with rifampin may decrease plasma celecoxib concentrations.
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
May cause fluid retention and peripheral edema; caution in patients with compromised cardiac function, hypertension, conditions predisposing patient to fluid retention; caution in the presence of severe heart failure and hyponatremia because circulatory hemodynamics may deteriorate; NSAIDs may mask the usual signs of infection; caution in the presence of existing controlled infections; evaluate therapy when symptoms or laboratory results suggest liver dysfunction
Analgesics
Pain control is essential to providing the quality of care for patients with wrist dislocations. Pain control ensures the patient's comfort and aids in physical therapy regimens. Many analgesics have sedating properties that benefit patients with fractures. Hydrocodone and oxycodone preparations are generally more effective and better tolerated than other narcotic-acetaminophen combinations, such as those containing codeine.
Acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol-3)
Indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
Dosing
Adult
30-60 mg/dose PO q4-6h based on the codeine content or 1-2 tab q4h; not to exceed 4 g/d of acetaminophen
Pediatric
0.5-1 mg/kg/dose PO q4-6h based on the codeine content; 10-15 mg/kg/dose based on the acetaminophen content; not to exceed 2.6 g/d of acetaminophen
Interactions
The toxicity of codeine increases with CNS depressants, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, neuromuscular blockers, CNS depressants, phenothiazines, and narcotic analgesics; rifampin can reduce the analgesic effects; coadministration with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, and isoniazid may increase hepatotoxicity.
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in patients who are dependent on opiates because this substitution may result in acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms; caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction; hepatotoxicity with acetaminophen is possible with various dose levels in those with chronic alcoholism; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate serious illness; many OTC products contain acetaminophen, and combined use may result in cumulative acetaminophen doses that exceed the recommended maximum dose.
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin, Norcet, Lortab, Lorcet-HD)
Drug combination indicated for moderate to severe pain.
Dosing
Adult
1-2 tab or cap PO q4-6h prn pain
Pediatric
<12 years: 10-15 mg/kg acetaminophen/dose PO q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d acetaminophen
>12 years: 750 mg acetaminophen PO q4h; not to exceed 10 mg hydrocodone bitartrate per dose or 5 doses/24 h
Interactions
Coadministration with phenothiazines may decrease the analgesic effects; toxicity increases with CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity; high-altitude cerebral edema or elevated intracranial pressure
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
The tablets contain metabisulfite, which may cause hypersensitivity; caution in patients who are dependent on opiates because this substitution may result in acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms; caution in the presence of severe renal or hepatic dysfunction
Follow-up
Return to Play
Athletes with wrist injuries, including wrist dislocations, are advised not to return to play until full recovery has been achieved.
Complications
- A missed or late diagnosis may lead to complications.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome may result.
- Malunion or nonunion may occur. This is a misnomer because no fracture occurs; therefore, malunion or nonunion is not technically possible. Stiffness may be present. On rare occasions, late instability or apposition of the carpal bones may occur.
- Degenerative joint disease is possible.
Prevention
Wrist injuries can be prevented by implementing proper technique; maintaining good strength; maintaining good flexibility; and, if the sport permits, using wrist guards.
Prognosis
If the diagnosis is established early (<3 mo) and if the proper treatment is administered, the prognosis of wrist dislocations is excellent.
Education
Athletes should be educated about how to recognize wrist injuries. Seeking early medical attention for wrist injuries is important and should be emphasized to athletes. Proper technique, flexibility, and strengthening should also be emphasized.
Miscellaneous
Medicolegal Pitfalls
- Failure to diagnose wrist dislocations
- Failure to perform a complete neurologic examination, with resultant median nerve damage
- Avascular necrosis of the lunate (Kienböck disease)
Related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Medical Malpractice and Legal Issues
Resource Center Trauma
Specialty Site Neurology & Neurosurgery
Specialty Site Orthopaedics
Multimedia
Media file 1: Lunate dislocation. Posteroanterior projection of the wrist showing the pie shape of the lunate.
Media file 2: Perilunate dislocation. On the posteroanterior radiograph, crowding is evident between the proximal and distal carpal bones.
Media file 3: Perilunate dislocation. The lunate is in a normal anatomic position with respect to the radius. The rest of the carpal bones are displaced dorsally.
Media file 4: Scapholunate dislocation. The scapholunate space is usually greater than 4 mm, a scenario also known as the Terry-Thomas sign. Rotation of the scaphoid causes the scaphoid to be viewed end-on, producing the classic signet-ring sign.
Media file 5: Progressive perilunar instability pattern as reported by Mayfield et al. 7 Stage I involves scaphoid instability; stage II, scaphoid and capitate instability; stage III, scaphoid, capitate, and triquetrum instability; and stage IV, lunate dislocation.
Media file 6: On a normal lateral radiograph, the 4 Cs should be easily visualized. The 4 Cs are the convexity of the distal radius, the convexity and the concavity of the lunate, and the convexity of the capitate. A longitudinal axis aligns the radius, the lunate, the capitate, and the third metacarpal bone. The scapholunate angle is normally 30-60°.
References
Larsen CF, Lauritsen J. Epidemiology of acute wrist trauma. Int J Epidemiol. Oct 1993;22(5):911-6. [Medline].
Schwartz DT, Reisdorff EJ. Emergency Radiology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book Co; 2000:47-75.
Cheng CY, Hsu KY, Tseng IC, Shih HN. Concurrent scaphoid fracture with scapholunate ligament rupture. Acta Orthop Belg. Oct 2004;70(5):485-91. [Medline].
Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Levine AM, Trafton PG, eds. Skeletal Trauma. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1998:1359-81.
Lichtman DM, Alexander AH, eds. The Wrist and Its Disorders. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1997.
Linscheid RL, Dobyns JH, Beabout JW, Bryan RS. Traumatic instability of the wrist. Diagnosis, classification, and pathomechanics. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Dec 1972;54(8):1612-32. [Medline]. [Full Text].
Mayfield JK, Johnson RP, Kilcoyne RK. Carpal dislocations: pathomechanics and progressive perilunar instability. J Hand Surg [Am]. May 1980;5(3):226-41. [Medline].
Reid DC. Sports Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1992.
Meldon SW, Hargarten SW. Ligamentous injuries of the wrist. J Emerg Med. Mar-Apr 1995;13(2):217-25. [Medline].
Carlisle JC, Goldfarb CA, Mall N, Matava MJ. Upper extremity injuries in the National Football League. Part II: elbow, forearm, and wrist Injuries. Am J Sports Med. Jun 30 2008;epub ahead of print. [Medline].
Alt V, Sicre G. Dorsal transscaphoid-transtriquetral perilunate dislocation in pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid. Clin Orthop Relat Res. Sep 2004;426:135-7. [Medline].
Frankel VH. The Terry-Thomas sign. Clin Orthop Relat Res. Nov-Dec 1977;129:321-2. [Medline].
Martinage A, Balaguer T, Chignon-Sicard B, et al. [Perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the wrist, a review of 14 cases] [French]. Chir Main. Feb 2008;27(1):31-9. [Medline].
Infanger M, Grimm D. Meniscus and discus lesions of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC): treatment by laser-assisted wrist arthroscopy. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. May 9 2008;epub ahead of print. [Medline].
Park MJ, Kim JP. Reliability and normal values of various computed tomography methods for quantifying distal radioulnar joint translation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Jan 2008;90(1):145-53. [Medline].
Keywords
wrist dislocation, wrist pain, dislocated wrist, dislocation of wrist, lunate dislocation, perilunate dislocation, scapholunate dislocation, hyperextension injury of the wrist, carpal bone injuries, carpal injury, ballottement test, volar tilt test, dorsal tilt test
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author
Kadeer M Halimi, DO, Department of Emergency Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center
Kadeer M Halimi, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Coauthor(s)
Derek K Lichota, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Senior Staff, Department of Orthopedics, Division of Sports Medicine, Scott and White Memorial Hospital
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Medical Editor
Craig C Young, MD, Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Community and Family Medicine, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Fellowship Director, Medical College of Wisconsin
Craig C Young, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, Phi Beta Kappa, and Wilderness Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Pharmacy Editor
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Managing Editor
Russell D White, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center Lakewood
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
CME Editor
Jon B Whitehurst, MD, Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner and Executive Board Member, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital
Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Chief Editor
Sherwin SW Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago
Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.