Ligamentous Radiocarpal Fracture-Dislocation Treated with Wrist-Spanning Plate and Volar Ligament Repair

Abstract

Background Radiocarpal fracture-dislocations are challenging injuries that are often associated with postoperative pain, stiffness, instability, or early arthrosis. Case Description We report a 1-year follow-up of a ligamentous radiocarpal dislocation (Dumontier group I) treated with a dorsal wrist-spanning plate and volar capsular repair with good results. Literature Review Historically, Dumontier group I injuries treated with a variety of techniques (closed reduction and casting, percutaneous pinning, and open fixation) have been associated with stiffness and loss of reduction. Clinical Relevance Distraction plating is a safe and effective technique for treating select distal radius fractures, and we suggest it has the potential to produce good outcomes when used to treat radiocarpal fracture-dislocations.