Fracture-dislocation of the radiocarpal joint: bony and capsulo-ligamentar management, outcomes and long-term complications

Purpose Radiocarpal dislocation fractures (RCDF) are rare injuries that usually occur in a violent trauma setting. Our work aimed to analyze our patients’ functional and radiological results after surgery and identify potential medium- and long-term complications while reviewing other series previously reported in the literature. Methods We have performed a retrospective study over five years at our university hospital, eleven patients were selected, and the mean follow-up was about 33 months. We used Dumontier’s and Moneim’s classifications for classifying the injuries. All the patients underwent surgery followed by cast immobilization. The QuickDash score and Green O’Brien score modified by Cooney were used to assess the functional result, while the radiological result was judged on standard wrist radiographs. Results Out of the eleven patients, only one described a Dumontier type I radiocarpal dislocation; all the others were type II. Following the Moneim classification, two patients were type II. Most cases showed posterior displacement. In 80% of cases, the radiocarpal fracture-dislocation was combined with other bone or ligament injuries. All patients received surgical treatment followed by cast immobilization for 45 days. The mean loss of range of motion at the last follow-up was about 39%, keeping the arch intact in most cases. Quick dash score was 29.54, and Green O’Brien’s score was 71.1. Three of the patients showed osteoarthritic remodeling. Conclusion A careful clinical and radiological evaluation, followed by an anatomic surgical reduction of the articulating surface of the distal radius, as well as the handling of the associated lesions, are major conditions for a satisfactory clinical result.