Avendano JP, Gallagher DO, Kouwenberg EV. Transscaphoid Transcapitate Perilunate Fracture-dislocation with
Inferior Arc Injury and Acute Ulnar Nerve Compression: A Case Report.
J Orthop Case Rep 2023;
13:35-39. [PMID:
37398522 PMCID:
PMC10308993 DOI:
10.13107/jocr.2023.v13.i06.3686]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Perilunate dislocations and perilunate fracture-dislocations (PLFD) are relatively uncommon injuries, comprising <10% of wrist injuries. Perilunate injuries are often complicated by median neuropathy reported in 23-45% of cases, whereas there are very few reported cases of associated ulnar neuropathy. Combined greater arc and inferior arc injuries are also rare. We report an unusual PLFD pattern with associated inferior arc injury and acute ulnar nerve compression.
Case Report
A 34-year-old male sustained a wrist injury after a motorcycle collision. Computed tomography scan revealed a trans-scaphoid, transcapitate, perilunate fracture-dislocation, and a distal radius lunate facet volar rim fracture with radiocarpal subluxation. Examination revealed acute ulnar neuropathy without median neuropathy. He underwent urgent nerve decompression and closed reduction, followed by open reduction internal fixation the next day. He recovered without complication.
Conclusion
This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough neurovascular examination to rule out less commonly seen neuropathies. With up to 25% of perilunate injuries misdiagnosed, surgeons should have a low threshold for advanced imaging in high-energy injuries.
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