Perilunate and Lunate Dislocations

Abstract

Lunate and perilunate dislocations, although somewhat uncommon, are serious injuries and can be easily missed. The mechanism of injury is hyperextension of the wrist, often associated with a fall on the outstretched hand (FOOSH) injury, falls from height, or motor vehicle crash with a high-energy traumatic injury to the wrist. Perilunate dislocations typically present with pain and swelling over both the dorsal and volar aspects of the wrist and limited range of motion of the wrist. Perilunate dislocations result in disruption of the relationship between the lunate and the capitate, whereas lunate dislocations result in a disruption of the lunate bone, both from the radius and the capitate, primarily diagnosed on the lateral view of the wrist radiograph. These injuries require emergent reduction and stabilization either via a closed or open surgical reduction by an orthopedic specialist. Lunate dislocations can lead to long-term pain and disability if overlooked in their initial assessments.