Volar ligament repair for radiocarpal fracture-dislocation

Radiocarpal fracture-dislocations are uncommon injuries, comprising a spectrum of trauma to the capsuloligamentous complex and osseous structures of the radiocarpal joint along with the adjacent structures. Management guidelines are derived from limited case series and expert opinions. An understanding of the relevant anatomy suggests that restoration of an anatomically reduced joint in conjunction with repair or reconstruction of the osseous and soft tissue structures optimizes outcome. Special consideration should be given to repair of the radial styloid, intercarpal ligaments, and radiocarpal capsuloligamentous complex. The authors report 2 patients with radiocarpal fracture-dislocations in which reduction and stabilization of the carpus was achieved using suture anchor fixation of the volar extrinsic radiocarpal ligaments.