The unreduced carpal dislocation. A method of treatment

Abstract

Unreduced lunate, perilunate, and transscaphoid perilunate dislocations present a difficult and challenging surgical problem. The authors feel that all efforts should be made to obtain a reduction of the old dislocation. They support a combined dorsal and palmar approach, open reduction, and internal fixation of scaphoid with a Herbert screw to obtain midcarpal stability. A carpal tunnel decompression should be performed if symptoms suggest median nerve entrapment. When the dislocation is unable to be reduced, the authors favor limited wrist arthrodesis or a proximal row carpectomy in the absence of significant arthritis.