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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
04:08
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Capitate Fracture-Dislocation: An Unusual Pattern of Carpal Injury
Julia Bian1, Mirza Mujadzic1, Paulina B Le1
1Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|August 14, 2026
Summary
This case report details a rare isolated volar capitate dislocation, a carpal injury often missed. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention led to successful recovery and restored wrist function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Isolated capitate dislocation is a rare carpal injury.
- Often associated with high-energy trauma and complex ligamentous disruption.
- This case presents a delayed diagnosis of isolated volar capitate dislocation with a chip fracture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of delayed-diagnosis isolated volar capitate dislocation.
- To review literature on similar presentations and treatment options.
- To discuss the potential mechanism of injury in such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 29-year-old male with wrist pain and paresthesias.
- Radiographic evaluation revealing volar migration of the capitate.
- Surgical intervention including open reduction, carpal tunnel release, and Kirschner wire fixation.
Main Results:
- Successful surgical management of the isolated volar capitate dislocation.
- Resolution of median nerve paresthesias.
- Restoration of functional wrist motion at final follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Highlights an unusual carpal injury pattern.
- Emphasizes the importance of thorough radiographic assessment for persistent wrist symptoms.
- Suggests transient ligamentous failure as a possible mechanism over complete rupture.
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