Trans-scaphoid trans-lunate trans-triquetral volar perilunate dislocation: A case report

Translunate volar perilunate dislocations are extremely rare, with few documented cases. Only eight instances of volar translunate perilunate dislocation have been described in the literature. This report presents a successfully treated case using early reduction and internal fixation that led to a very satisfying outcome at 9 months follow-up.

A 20-year-old man presented with left wrist pain and swelling after a fall from a vehicle at 50 km/h, landing on an outstretched right hand. Radiographs and a CT scan identified scaphoid, lunate, and triquetral fractures, along with a volar perilunate dislocation. Surgical treatment was performed with a dorsal approach, including scaphoid and lunate fracture fixation, triquetral avulsion repair, and lunate stabilization with K-wires. The wrist was immobilized for 6 weeks, intense physical therapy started after K-wires removal. At 9 months follow-up, positive results were seen clinically and radiologically.

A perilunate fracture-dislocation includes dislocation of the carpus from the lunate. Johnson divided these injuries into lesser arc (pure ligamentous) and greater arc (fracture-related). Bain introduced the translunate arc concept in a case series of three patients, depicting a path through the lunate causing lunate fracture alongside perilunate injury. Treatment focuses on lunate reduction and fixation, combined with addressing greater and lesser arc injuries. Achieving successful lunate realignment and fixation is challenging. However, early diagnosis, prompt reduction, rigid fixation, and repair of both arc injuries can lead to optimal functional recovery.