Pseudarthrosis after disruption of an incomplete luno-triquetral coalition: a case report

Whilst bony luno-triquetral coalitions are known to be asymptomatic, fibro-cartilage unions can cause ulnar-sided wrist pain. The purpose is to present the rare case of painful pseudarthrosis after traumatic disruption of an incomplete luno-triquetral coalition. Recommendations for proper diagnosis and treatment options will be discussed. The case of a 35-year-old male patient is reported, where disruption of a fibro-cartilaginous luno-triquetral coalition resulted in a painful pseudarthrosis. Luno-triquetral fusion with a corticocancellous wedge from the iliac crest and a Herbert screw was undertaken. Using this method pain was relieved but resulted in minor loss of range of motion. We recommend luno-triquetral fusion in the rare case of fracture or pseudarthrosis of a luno-triquetral coalition. The use of a corticocancellous wedge should be considered depending on gap formation after resection of the pseudarthrosis.