Isolated capitate fracture diagnosed by computed tomography. Case report

Isolated fractures of the capitate, though rare, are probably often missed entirely. As in scaphoid fractures, repeated radiographs, tomography, or bone scanning are necessary for the diagnosis. Reviewing the literature, we found that most capitate fractures reported were transverse or combined with other carpal injuries, including the scapho-capitate fracture syndrome. Our patient presented an isolated oblique intraarticular fracture of the capitate. An old fracture of the styloid process of the ulna was seen at the primary examination. This special type of capitate fracture has not been previously described. The fracture was missed on standard radiographs, but discovered by computed tomography (CT). The different types of fractures of the capitate and their treatment are discussed.