Pancarpal dissociation, a very rare type of injury: A case report

Pan-carpal dissociation is very rare injury and there is little information as to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this injury.

A 35-year-man presented to our hospital with severe pain and swelling of the left wrist and forearm after slipping and falling while riding a motorcycle.

The wrist simple radiographs demonstrated unrecognizable severe fracture-dislocation of the carpal bones concomitant with fractures of the radioulnar shaft. Three-dimensional computed tomography revealed a capitate fracture-dislocation, as well as hamate dislocation, lunotriquetral (LT), and scapholunate (SL) dissociation. These findings suggested pan-carpal dissociation.

To prevent compartment syndrome, fasciotomy, carpal tunnel release, and open reduction and plate fixation for both bone fracture were performed first. Then, for pan-carpal dissociation, the capitate, carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ), and hamate were reduced and fixed first. Then, the SL, LT, and other intercarpal ligaments were repaired. Finally, additional trans-carpal pins to reinforce the ligament repair and 2.0 mm plate to buttress the third CMCJ were fixed. The patient was instructed to begin gentle range of motion exercises of the wrist with pins from four weeks after surgery and all pins were removed at six weeks postoperatively.

12 months after the operation, the patient exhibited almost full range of motion with mild pain with VAS (Visual analogue scale) 1-2 at rest and VAS 3-4 with effort. Quick DASH (the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) score was 25 and modified Mayo score was 70. The radiographs demonstrated union of the radioulnar shaft, and the carpal bone alignment was successfully maintained.

Pan-carpal dissociation can be diagnosed in patients with capitate fracture-dislocation, hamate dislocation, LT, and SL dissociation. This pattern of injury is very rare and the authors recommend reduction and fixation of the distal carpal row, followed by the proximal row to facilitate an easy approach to the distal carpal row. Although it is very severe injury, rigid anatomical fixation and an early rehabilitation can lead to favorable functional outcomes.