A possible relationship of radio-carpal dislocation and dislocation of the lunate bone.

A woman of fifty sustained anterior radio-carpal dislocation of the left wrist. Reduction was obtained by traction under general anaesthesia. Radiographs were taken before and after reduction (Figs. 1 and 2). Reduction of the dislocation was maintained by a plaster extending above the elbow with the wrist in the neutral position. The plaster was kept on for four weeks, after which gentle mobilisation was begun. Six months later there was no radiographic evidence of avascular necrosis and there was an almost full range of movement. The patient was re-examined eighteen months after injury. She complained of some loss of the power of lifting and an occasional ache about the wrist. The range of movement was very slightly less than that of the opposite wrist. Radiographs showed a small osteophyte low on the volar aspect of the radius (Fig. 3) but no other abnormality.