Late reduction of the dislocated lunate. A method using distraction by an external fixator

The management of carpal dislocation after a late diagnosis is difficult. Open reduction is the usual treatment but collapse of the carpus may be hard to overcome without extensive dissection and consequent damage to the blood supply, ligaments and articular cartilage. A technique of distraction by an external fixator followed by semi-closed reduction is described and its successful use is reported in two cases.