Radiocarpal Dislocation With Isolated Ulnar Translocation: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Traumatic radiocarpal dislocations are rare injuries. Following high-energy trauma to the wrist, there should be a high index of suspicion for radiocarpal instability. Global ligamentous disruption of the wrist leads to the carpus translating ulnarly as it follows the inclination of the radius. We present a unique case of ulnar translocation of the carpus in a 33-year-old male with a hypoplastic ulna of the injured wrist. Management included open reduction internal fixation and ligamentous repair using a combined volar and dorsal approach to the wrist. The patient was immobilized in a splint for 12 weeks, followed by K-wire removal and range of motion exercises. At follow-up 6 months postinjury, the patient had full range of motion, no functional concerns, and no pain in the operative limb. To our knowledge, a pure ulnar translocation radiocarpal dislocation in the setting of a hypoplastic ulna has not been described in the literature.