Capitate fracture

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Capitate fracture
Transverse fracture at the mid capitate
SpecialtyHand surgery
SymptomsWrist pain and swelling[1]
ComplicationsArthritis, avascular necrosis, failure to heal[1]
TypesTransverse body, transverse pole, verticofrontal, parasagittal[1]
CausesFall on an outstretched hand[1]
Diagnostic methodX-rays[1]
TreatmentOrthopedic casting, surgery[1]
Frequency1 to 2% of wrist fractures[1]

Capitate fracture is a break of the capitate bone in the wrist. Symptoms typically include pain and swelling of the wrist.[1] Often there are other wrist bone fractures or joint dislocations.[1] Complications may include arthritis and avascular necrosis.[1]

Typically they occur as a result of a fall on an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the back of the wrist.[1][2] Types include transverse body (most common), transverse pole, verticofrontal, and parasagittal.[1] Diagnosis is usually by X-rays.[1]

For fractures that are well aligned, treatment may be with orthopedic casting, specifically a thumb spica.[1][2] Otherwise surgery is generally required.[1] Failure to heal is not uncommon.[1] Capitate fractures represent about 1 to 2% of breaks of bones within the wrist.[1]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is often by a posterior anterior wrist X-ray.[2]

CT images of a capitate fracture

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 Suh, Nina; Ek, Eugene T.; Wolfe, Scott W. (April 2014). "Carpal Fractures". The Journal of Hand Surgery. 39 (4): 785–791. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.10.030.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Walls, Ron; Hockberger, Robert; Gausche-Hill, Marianne (9 March 2017). Rosen's Emergency Medicine - Concepts and Clinical Practice E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 517. ISBN 978-0-323-39016-3. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.

External links