Carpal Fractures and Dislocations

Nearly 1.5 million hand and wrist fractures are treated in the United States annually. Wrist fractures encompass fractures to the carpal bones, distal radius, and ulna. Most hand and forearm fractures occur in the home and are not work related. The scaphoid bone is most commonly involved, accounting for 60–85% of carpal fractures. The burden of wrist fractures is projected to increase as the population ages, and prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid long-term disability. This chapter will focus on pathophysiology, diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of carpal injuries with emphasis on scaphoid fractures and perilunate dislocations.