Triquetral Fractures Overview

The triquetrum is the second most commonly fractured carpal bone, comprising 15-18% of all carpal bone fractures. This review summarizes the current knowledge of triquetral fractures, including the anatomy and pathophysiology, evaluation and diagnosis, treatment and management, post-treatment outcomes, and complications.

Triquetral fractures are frequently caused by impaction of the ulnar wrist after a fall on an outstretched hand or by avulsion of attached ligaments. There are three main types of triquetral fractures: dorsal cortical fractures, triquetral body fractures, and volar cortical fractures. Dorsal cortical fractures are the most common and are usually benign, while volar cortical fractures are the least common and can be problematic. Nonsurgical management is indicated for most triquetral fractures, which usually results in good outcomes. Surgical treatment is indicated for fractures with significant displacement or evidence of instability. Complications of triquetral fractures include non-union, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, and pisotriquetral arthritis. While less common than scaphoid fractures, triquetral fractures should remain in the differential diagnosis for patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain after falling on an outstretched hand. Most triquetral fractures can be treated with immobilization, though they should be thoroughly evaluated due to their potential to result in instability, loss of motion, and arthrosis. Further research is needed to determine the best method of surgical treatment.