Isolated Scaphoid Dislocation Secondary to Pseudogout Arthritis: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Rheumatology
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Gouty arthritis is a metabolic disorder causing crystal deposition in joints.
• Scaphoid dislocations are rare, typically resulting from high-energy trauma.
• Untreated inflammatory arthropathies can compromise carpal bone integrity.

Observation:

• A 69-year-old male laborer presented with atraumatic, isolated scaphoid dislocation.
• The patient had a history of untreated gouty arthritis affecting the wrist.
• This represents a unique presentation not previously described in medical literature.

Findings:

• The patient required a proximal row carpectomy for salvage.
• The underlying pseudogout contributed to the scaphoid's weakened state.
• This case highlights the link between inflammatory arthropathy and carpal instability.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the importance of managing inflammatory arthropathies to prevent severe joint damage.
• Suggests that pseudogout can predispose to rare carpal dislocations.
• Underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing and treating wrist conditions, even in the absence of trauma.