[Late outcome after surgical treatment of perilunar dislocation and dislocation fractures]

Reports on late results in perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations are rare. In a series of 22 male patients with perilunate dislocation or fracture dislocation, treated operatively between 1976 and 1987, 15 patients (68%) were investigated 12 years (8 to 19 years, median/range) postoperatively. The average range of motion of the injured wrist was decreased by one third in comparison with the uninjured wrist and posttraumatic arthrosis was observed in all patients radiologically. Additional dynamic or static scapholunate dissociation was found in 53% (n = 8) of the patients. In contrast, only four patients suffered from pain and 87% (n = 13) of the patients reported no subjective decrease in wrist function in daily activities. Occupational change was never necessary.