Volar intercalary carpal instability following a seemingly innocent wrist fracture

A case of volar of intercalary carpal instability following a radial fracture is described and the mechanics of injury examined. Such an injury is rare and the type of radial fracture which produced it unusual. Continued instability of the carpus produces late degenerative changes. In contrast to the many reports of early and persistent pain and functional limitation this patient's wrist settled rapidly.