Sagittal wrist motion following dorsal radiocarpal fracture dislocations

Radiocarpal fracture dislocation is a rare, complex injury characterised by dislocation of the radiocarpal joint with avulsion of the dorsal or palmar cortical margin of the distal radius. To evaluate the sagittal motion at the radiocarpal and midcarpal levels following dorsal radiocarpal fracture dislocation (Moneim type I) nine cases were investigated clinically and radiologically. In a retrospective follow-up examination, eight patients could be included. The average follow-up was 4.1 years. One patient had a bilateral injury. The operative approach was bilateral in all cases. Restoration of the radial articular surface, filling metaphyseal defect zones with cancellous bone graft and internal fixation with a special T-plate were performed from dorsal. For refixation of the radiocarpal ligaments a small palmar approach was used. Standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, as well as lateral views in full extension and flexion were taken at follow-up. Clinical investigation included measurement of active range of motion, grip strength and pain evaluation using the VAS. Radiological evaluation of the standard lateral view turned out a mean angle between scaphoid and lunatum of 55.6 degrees, capitatum and lunatum of -11.6 degrees and radius and capitatum of 10.5 degrees. In full flexion the following angles were measured: radius/lunatum 15.3 degrees, capitatum/lunatum 18 degrees and between radius and capitatum 30 degrees. In full extension the angles averaged: radius/lunatum -23.9 degrees, capitatum/lunatum -31 degrees and between radius and capitatum -55 degrees. According to the Knirk and Jupiter classification system, five patients presented arthritis stage 1, three arthritis stage 2 and one a stage 3 arthritis. Clinical evaluation showed a mean wrist motion of 55 degrees for extension, 35 degrees for flexion, 88 degrees for pronation, 70 degrees for supination and 25.5 degrees for the mean radial as well as the mean ulnar motion. The average Mayo Wrist Score was 76.1 points. Operative treatment of dorsal radiocarpal fracture dislocation using a bilateral approach led to satisfying results in eight of nine cases with decreased but radiologically evaluated sagittal motion of the proximal row.