Closed Longitudinal Splitting of the Carpus

Abstract

Closed longitudinal splitting of the carpus is a rare injury with disruption of the transversal carpal arch. One case with a stroke injury is reported; the injury was work-related and occurred as a broad stroking injury to the volar side of the right hand and wrist. The patient was treated with open reduction, ligament repair and percutaneous pinning of a wide diastasis. Despite the return of wrist motion, pinch and grip strength remained below normal at follow-up examination. There appears to be a weak point between the capitate and hamate and the third and fourth metacarpals.

Key Words:

• carpus
• capitate
• hamate
• splitting
• fracture