Dorsal radiocarpal fracture dislocation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Radiocarpal Joint Biomechanics

Background:

• Radiocarpal fracture dislocations are uncommon injuries.
• Persistent joint space loss after non-operative reduction poses a challenge.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old female presented with a rare radiocarpal fracture dislocation.
• Initial reduction under hematoma block resulted in persistent radiocarpal joint space loss.

Findings:

• Surgical wrist arthrotomy revealed two rotated osteochondral fragments.
• These fragments were anatomically reduced and fixed with 2.7-mm AO screws.

Implications:

• Surgical intervention can effectively manage complex radiocarpal fracture dislocations with joint space compromise.
• This case highlights successful surgical restoration of radiocarpal joint congruity and function.
• Early surgical fixation may prevent long-term complications associated with joint space loss.