Isolated palmar radiocarpal dislocation and ulnar translocation: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Isolated palmar dislocations of the radiocarpal joint without associated fractures are rare injuries; only seven cases have previously been reported 1-7 (Table 1). Successful treatment outcomes are reported both from closed reduction and cast immobilization 5,7 and from open reduction, ligament repair, and pinning.6 Thus, the management of these uncommon injuries is controversial. We report a case of palmar radiocarpal dislocation with postreduction ulnar carpal translocation managed with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Weakness with torsional load to the wrist, as in this case, has not been previously reported. This case further illustrates the problem of ulnar translocation after reduction of palmar radiocarpal dislocations and emphasizes that intercarpal ligament injuries frequently occur and may not be recognized on initial evaluation.