Learn about commonly missed carpal bone injuries - the 'Big 4'. Discover key historical, physical exam, and x-ray findings, along with management strategies. Explore high-energy carpal injuries in young individuals and the importance of prompt reduction. Dive into the diagnosis and treatment of carpal bone injuries, with a focus on hook of hamate fractures. Uncover the debate on diagnostic tests for wrist injuries and the introduction of a donation button for supporting free access content.
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Quick takeaways
Triquetrum, scapholunate, hamate, and scaphoid fractures are commonly missed wrist injuries with severe consequences.
A patient's age, tissue quality, and energy levels influence the likelihood of specific carpal bone fractures.
Specific examination techniques and X-ray views are crucial for accurate diagnosis and early management of carpal bone injuries.
Deep dives
Expert insights on carpal bone injuries and risks (Part 1)
In part one of the podcast, initial differential diagnosis construction based on history and physical exams, wrist and hand X-ray interpretation, Barton fractures, and anatomical memory aids for the carpal bones are discussed. The focus is on understanding the surface anatomy, identifying commonly missed and mismanaged carpal bone injuries known as the 'big four': tricoetrial, lunate, hamate, and scaphoid fractures.
Anatomical and mechanistic perspectives on carpal bone injuries
The discussion delves into the anatomical and mechanistic aspects of carpal bone injuries. The importance of age-related prevalence, tissue quality, and energy levels in determining the likelihood of specific fractures is highlighted. Differentiating factors in diagnosing injuries in young, elderly, and middle-aged individuals are emphasized to guide clinical assessment and management.
Clinical considerations and imaging methods for carpal bone trauma
Detailed insights are provided on specific carpal injuries, such as tricoetrial chip fractures, lunate fractures, skafoid injuries, and potential ligamentous damage. The significance of anatomical palpation, surface anatomy recognition, and X-ray interpretation, especially in perilunate and lunate dislocations, is discussed. The importance of early reduction in severe injuries like perilunate dislocation is emphasized, along with practical tips for accurate diagnosis and management.
Identifying Hook of Hamate Fractures
To identify a hook of hamate fracture, palpate on the volar side of the hand, down the fifth finger, towards the palm's base. Feel for a bony prominence where the tenderness lies. By palpating a few centimeters towards the thumb, apply firm pressure to locate the bony prominence, which may vary in size. Utilizing a hook of hamate view on x-rays increases sensitivity to detecting fractures but may still miss some cases.
Diagnostic Challenges and Management of Scaphoid Fractures
Diagnosing scaphoid fractures involves discerning tenderness on the radial border distal to the pisiform and immobilizing the hand if suspected, given its potential for painful nonunion. Despite limitations in traditional x-ray views, a dedicated scaphoid view enhances diagnosis accuracy. Clinical examination plays a crucial role, with specific tests such as snuff box tenderness with ulnar deviation, palmar scaphoid palpation, and axial load of the first metacarpal aiding in diagnosis. Follow-up timing post-injury is critical, aiming to balance soft tissue healing and fracture detection.
Triquetrum chip fractures, scapholunate injuries, hook of the hamate fractures, and of course, scaphoid fractures can be easily missed with serious consequences for our patients. In this part 2 of our 2-part podcast series on wrist injuries we highlight the "Big 4" most commonly missed and mismanaged carpal bone injuries, elucidating the key historical, physical exam and x-ray findings, as well as management strategies...
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