Posttraumatic Ulnar Translocation of the Carpus: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

We report a case of posttraumatic ulnar translocation of the carpus, which resulted after a fall from a six-foot ladder. This patient presented with multiple injuries to the skull bones, face, and limbs. A diagnosis of ulnar translocation of the carpus was missed on initial radiographs. Ulnar translocations require a high clinical index of suspicion and should be considered in the context of any high-impact injury to the wrist. A volar fleck just distal to the radial articular surface represents evidence of ligamentous disruption and should alert physicians that a more severe injury may be present. Nonsurgical and surgical treatment options are reviewed.

Keywords

• Ligament avulsion
• Posttraumatic
• Ulnar translocation
• Volar fleck
• Wrist injury