Carpal dislocations

Abstract

Carpal dislocations are rare but devastating injuries. They most often occur from high-energy trauma such a motor vehicle accidents, falls from a height, or industrial-related accidents. Encompassing a spectrum of pathology, these injuries include perilunate dislocations, transcarpal fracture-dislocations, radiocarpal dislocations, axial or longitudinal dislocations, and the rare isolated carpal bone dislocations. A thorough understanding of the carpal anatomy, injury patterns, and treatment options is critical for proper management of these serious injuries. In this article, the authors address the five main categories of carpal dislocations, the associated anatomy, and their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.