Beware of the ulno-palmar distal radial fragment.

Five patients sustained isolated fractures of the ulnopalmar rim of the distal radius. In three cases the fragment was small and was classed as an avulsion fracture of the short radiolunate ligament. Palmar wrist subluxation occurred in all cases, four during treatment in a cast or splint. The ulnopalmar rim of the distal radius contributes to the stability of the radiocarpal joint and fractures in this region merit particular attention.

Simultaneous ipsilateral diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia: treatment and complications.

We present our experience of intramedullary nailing (IM) and external fixation in the treatment of 54 patients with ipsilateral diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia. Eight femoral and 24 tibial fractures were open. They were classified into three groups: IM nailing of both fractures (group A, 19 patients); IM nailing of the femoral and external fixation of the tibial fracture (group B, eight patients); and external fixation of both fractures (group C, 27 patients). In group C (which included all but one grade III open fracture), two patients died and four underwent amputation. Femoral fractures treated with external fixation had significantly more complications and reoperations than those treated with IM nailing. In tibial fractures this difference was also present but not statistically significant. We believe that IM nailing is the method of choice for femoral fractures and is preferable for tibial fractures, with the exception probably of grade III B and C open injuries.

Perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations. Closed and early open reduction compared in 28 cases.

27 patients (28 cases), were treated for perilunate dislocations in 20 and fracture-dislocations in 8. Capitate displacement was dorsal in 27 cases and palmar in 1 case, and in 16, the scaphoid was fractured. There was no substantial delay of treatment. In 8 patients treated with closed reduction, follow-up averaged 6 (1-15) years. 19 patients (20 cases) who underwent early open reduction with K-wire stabilization and ligamentous repair, had an average follow-up of 2 (0.5-7) years. The clinical outcome was evaluated using a scoring system based on pain, occupation, ROM and grip strength, while the radiographic outcome was assessed according to findings of carpal instability, nonunion of scaphoid, and/or arthrotic changes. In patients treated with closed reduction, results were fair in 3 and poor in 5, while patients treated with early open reduction had a better clinical score with 4 excellent, 9 good, 3 fair and 4 poor results. These findings suggest that perilunate fracture-dislocations are too unstable to be treated with closed reduction. In addition, a combined approach was found effective in the management of dorsal perilunate dislocations. Finally, open reduction presupposes reparation of the torn scapholunate ligament, to obtain normal carpal kinematics.

Late management of post-traumatic palmar carpal subluxation: a case report.

Only a few cases of palmar carpal subluxation associated with an ulnovolar fragment from the distal radius have been reported previously. We report a case which was treated operatively six months after the injury.