Outcomes of acute perilunate injuries-a systematic review

PURPOSE

The objective of this systematic review was to perform epidemiological as well as clinical, radiological and patient-reported outcome analysis of surgically treated perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations (PLDs and PLFDs) based on the so far largest pooled patient population to date.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This systematic review was written according to the updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A comprehensive literature search of Pubmed, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases was performed. All studies reporting on complications, radiological, functional and/or patient-reported outcomes of surgically treated acute PLDs and PLFDs with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies encompassing 550 patients with 553 operatively treated acute perilunate injuries (106 PLDs and 447 PLFDs) were included. The overall postoperative complication rate was 15.0% with secondary reduction loss representing the main contributing factor (10.1%). The overall reoperation rate was 10.4% and the incidence of salvage procedures was 2.8%. The risk for secondary reduction loss was higher for PLD than for PLFD injuries (24.2% vs. 7.0%, relative risk [RR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-7.5). There was a higher overall complication rate for the combined dorsopalmar approach when compared to the isolated dorsal approach (17.4% vs. 8.4%, RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-1.0, number needed to treat [NNT] 11.2) and for open surgery versus arthroscopic surgery (17.4% vs. 4.8%, RR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9, NNT 8.0). A significant correlation was found between radiological osteoarthritis (rOA) and follow-up duration of the individual studies, while functional and patient-rated outcomes were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of surgical technique, PLFDs appear to be less susceptible to secondary reduction loss than PLDs. Whenever possible, less invasive (e.g. arthroscopic) surgery should be performed to minimize postoperative complications. The rate of rOA is high and increases significantly with follow-up duration. Interestingly, rOA does not seem to correlate with reduced wrist function nor patient dissatisfaction and the need for salvage surgery is surprisingly rare.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review of level IV studies.

Trans-styloid, trans-hamate dorsal lunate dislocation: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Lunate dislocation is a rare and serious injury, frequently due to high-energy trauma such as a fall from height or a motor vehicle accident. Lunate dislocation is usually in the volar direction; however, dorsal dislocation of the lunate is extremely rare.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of 55-year-old male who sustained a high-energy trauma; he was hit by a car while crossing the street. The patient was referred to department of Plastic Surgery for left wrist dorsal dislocation of the lunate and bilateral multiple carpal bone fractures. He was managed by open reduction and internal fixation with scapholunate ligament repair for the left wrist, while the right wrist was treated conservatively.

DISCUSSION

Such cases must be treated urgently to avoid complications such as avascular necrosis of the lunate, median nerve injury, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic carpal instability.

CONCLUSION

This case is one of few cases reported in the literature highlighting the rarity of this injury pattern.

Perilunate Dislocations and Fracture Dislocations

Perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations are the result of an axial load with hyperextension and ulnar deviation of the wrist, combined with intercarpal supination. Prompt treatment injuries is essential. There is a high rate of missed or incorrect diagnosis. In the past, closed management was recommended. These methods proved to be ineffective. Current research and data show better results with anatomic restoration of carpal alignment and direct ligament repair. A combined dorsal and volar approach is preferred. This article reviews the current literature and discusses the surgical techniques to restore carpal alignment and repair the scapholunate interosseous ligament.

Treatment of an unusual trans-scaphoid perilunate avulsion fracture dislocation: a case report

We describe an unusual case of trans-scaphoid perilunate injury where the proximal half of the scaphoid avulsed from all attaching ligaments and extruded into the forearm. Treatment involved anatomic reduction and internal fixation of the fracture, scapholunate (SL) ligament repair, temporary K-wire fixation, and prolonged immobilization. At 19-month follow-up, the fracture healed, SL ligament remained intact, and the patient recovered much of his hand function.