Neglected volar dislocation of Radiocarpal joint- A case report

Radio-carpal dislocations with or without fracture of radius is an uncommon injury. Isolated volar dislocations of the radio-carpal joint are exceedingly rare. Very few have been reported so far. Specific management of neglected volar dislocations of radio-carpal joint has not been prescribed so far. Various treatment methods for this acute injury ranging from closed reduction and casting to percutaneous pinning has been reported. Total wrist fusion has also been reported as a treatment. A 32 year old right handed man was involved in a road traffic accident injuring his right hand. He rather than going to a hospital took native treatment for 2 months. After 3 months he reported to our hospital Kilpauk Medical College complaining of deformity and inability to use his wrist. He wanted a normal looking wrist with ability to use his hands for basic functions. We tried for a closed reduction under general anesthesia which was unsuccessful and so we decided to proceed with wrist arthrodesis with proximal row carpectomy and distal ulna resection. Then, we took him to surgery within five days of admission and did a proximal row carpectomy with wrist fusion using a 9 holed reconstruction plate. Now with 1 years follow up radiographic examination shows complete union, improved grip strength, no deformity with patient satisfaction as he is able to use his hand for performing daily activities.