Trans-scapho-capitate perilunar dislocation of the carpus

Trans-scapho-capitate perilunar dislocation of the carpus is a rare variety of perilunar dislocation. The characteristic feature of this lesion is that the head of the capitate is rotated 180 degrees. The capitate fracture occurs at the neck level and when the body is displaced dorsally with the perilunar dislocation, the unsupported head cannot remain in anatomical relationship with the lunate and thus rotates on itself. The authors report a case that was treated by conservative reduction, the result of which was far from satisfactory. They therefore advise that this lesion should be treated by immediate open reduction with osteosynthesis of the scaphoid.