Dynamic axial carpal instability: a case report

The concept of distal carpal row dissociation is not new. It has occurred secondary to high-energy crush or blast injuries, with resultant axial dislocations of both carpal rows and metacarpals. Axial carpal sprains without disruption or dynamic axial carpal instability have not been previously described. The evaluation of this new type of carpal instability with radiographs, tomography, arthrography, and magnetic resonance imaging failed to demonstrate its etiology. Arthroscopic evaluation of the midcarpal and radiocarpal joints demonstrated a dynamic axial carpal instability with incompetence of the capitohamate and scapholunate ligaments. Stabilization of the axial instability by capitohamate arthrodesis relieved the chronic wrist pain.