Acute dorsal trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocations: medium-term results

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the medium-term results (mean follow-up, 8 years) of a series of 14 trans-scaphoid dorsal perilunate fracture-dislocations treated operatively at an average of 6 days following injury. Eleven underwent open reduction and internal fixation through a dorsal approach. Combined palmar and dorsal approaches were used in only three cases, for open reduction and internal fixation in two and proximal row carpectomy in one. The Mayo wrist score revealed five excellent, three good, five fair and one poor result. The average score was 79% (range 55-95%). All internally fixed scaphoids healed and no lunate or scaphoid fragment avascular necrosis with collapse was observed. Carpal alignment was satisfactory in most cases. Post-traumatic radiological midcarpal and/or radiocarpal arthritis were almost always observed at follow-up, but this did not correlate with the Mayo wrist score.