[Bilateral lunato-triquetral synostosis with bilateral fracture of the scaphoid bone]

The authors have treated a case of bilateral fracture of the scaphoid bone in a young man who had complete and bilateral lunato-triquetral synostosis, without any other associated congenital condition. Consolidation was obtained by orthopedic treatment on one side, but a Matti-Russe operation was necessary on the other. The authors emphasize but then rule out the hypothesis of a congenital bipartite scaphoid associated with the synostosis. A review of the literature on lunato-triquetral synostoses sums up the main points. The condition is rare in whites and occurs more frequently in blacks. It is sometimes associated with other congenital conditions. Four anatomic and radiologic types have been described. The pathogenic hypotheses, based on embryology, are summarized.