[Palmar lunate dislocation]

Abstract

Palmar lunate dislocation as the end stage of a perilunate dislocation is a very uncommon injury. Having treated 19,534 hospitalized patients between 1 January 1986 and 1 October 2001 the diagnosis was recorded in four male trauma patients (33, 36, 37 and 62 years old). Among the operatively treated carpal dislocations and carpal fracture dislocations those of the lunate were seen in five per cent. The dislocation was caused in by an acute hyperextension injury resulting of falls from heights in three cases, and of a motorcycle accident in a further case. In two of these cases a complete palmar lunate dislocation was analysed that were produced by fall from seven meters heights of a young craftsman and by accident of a motorcyclist. First using a longitudinal palmar approach in both cases a revision of the hemorrhagic carpal canal was performed urgently, the largely denuded lunate was reduced and the repair of identified ligamentous structures was performed by means of sutures respectively suture anchors. Reduction was stabilized with Kirschner wires. Afterwards performed computed tomography identified the result of reduction and associated defects (subluxation distal radioulnar joint). In one patient a soft tissue infection prevented the dorsal ligamentous repair. In spite of a consequent after-treatment and a good functional result a scapho-lunate dissociation was proved. An avascular defect of the lunate could be excluded by magnetic resonance imaging. In case of a secondary performed dorsal repair a persisting carpal stabilization with a satisfactory functional result could achieved. At second hand an advanced carpal collapse was proved.

Conclusions: If reduction cannot be achieved by closed manipulation or a loss of reduction is shown, open reduction is indicated first by a palmar approach. An additional dorsal ligamentous repair seems to be necessary. Transfixation by Kirschner wires and suture anchors stabilize the restored anatomic relationships. Wrist immobilization in a cast for at least eight weeks is recommended. Although ligamentous insufficiency, osteoarthrosis and avascular necrosis are often proved, functional results are satisfactory.