Closed longitudinal splitting of the carpus. Case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Hand and wrist anatomy

Background:

• Closed longitudinal splitting of the carpus is a rare injury.
• It involves disruption of the transversal carpal arch.
• Carpal injuries can significantly impact hand function.

Observation:

• A case of a work-related stroke injury to the volar right hand and wrist is presented.
• The injury resulted in a wide diastasis of the carpus.
• The patient experienced a broad stroking injury.

Findings:

• Treatment involved open reduction, ligament repair, and percutaneous pinning.
• Wrist motion returned post-surgery.
• Pinch and grip strength remained below normal at follow-up.

Implications:

• The carpus may have inherent weak points, particularly between the capitate-hamate and metacarpals.
• Further research into carpal stability and injury biomechanics is warranted.
• Understanding these weak points can inform treatment and rehabilitation strategies for similar injuries.