Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
05:25
Knotless Independent Double-Row Repair and Biceps Augmentation for Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: January 23, 2026
551
Outcomes after radiocarpal dislocation: a retrospective review.
Brandon J Yuan1, David G Dennison1, Bassem T Elhassan1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|September 3, 2015
Summary
Radiocarpal dislocations are severe wrist injuries. Early surgical repair with ligament reconstruction may offer better long-term outcomes than wrist fusion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Radiocarpal dislocations are rare, high-energy injuries associated with significant morbidity.
- Limited data exists on the long-term functional outcomes following treatment for these injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients treated for radiocarpal dislocations.
- To compare outcomes between different treatment modalities, including ligament reconstruction and wrist fusion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 patients treated for radiocarpal dislocation between 1979 and 2010.
- Outcome assessments included range of motion, grip strength, Mayo wrist score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.
- Statistical analysis performed using Student's t test.
Main Results:
- 17 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.6 years completed outcome questionnaires.
- Subjective outcomes trended superior with ligament reconstruction versus partial or complete wrist fusion, though not statistically significant.
- 12% underwent primary fusion, and 24% failed initial treatment requiring salvage procedures.
Conclusions:
- Radiocarpal dislocations involve significant osseous and ligamentous damage.
- Early treatment with open reduction, internal fixation, and ligament repair may improve long-term functional outcomes compared to acute wrist arthrodesis.
