Neglected Radiocarpal Dislocations: Descriptive Note on Five Cases in Black Africa

Abstract

Background: Neglected radiocarpal dislocations are rare and may have functional repercussions on the injured limb. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results of our management of neglected radiocarpal dislocation. Patient and method: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of five cases of neglected radiocarpal dislocation between January 2011 and December 2020. Patients were collected from various hospitals in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (some private centers and the orthopaedic surgery and trauma department of Cocody University Hospital). The minimum consultation time was 11 weeks. The initial treatment was traditional in 3 cases and failure of hospital treatment in 2 cases. Lesions were classified according to the Dumontier classification. Treatment was surgical in all cases. Functional results were assessed using the Quick DASH score and the modified Green and O'Brien score. Results: Patients were assessed for function at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The total Quick DASH score was obtained using the formula: [(Sum) × 1.1] × 5/2. The mean Quick DASH score was 88.55 (extremes: 74.25 and 99). The mean modified Green and O'brien score was 96 (extremes: 80 and 100). Conclusion: Our functional results were satisfactory overall, as demonstrated by assessments using recognised and reliable tools. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the conclusions of our study.