Citation

Ribeiro LM, Botton MA. Am. J. Case Rep. 2019; 20: 790-793.

Affiliation

Hand and Wrist Unit (Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology), Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Scientific Literature)

DOI

10.12659/AJCR.915757

PMID

31164626

Abstract

BACKGROUND Trapezoid fractures are very uncommon, accounting for less than 1% of all wrist fractures. Isolated fractures of this bone are even more rare, with just a few reports in the literature. The trapezoid bone has a very stable position within the wrist, forming a relatively immobile joint with the second metacarpal base distally. It is also connected by very strong ligaments to the trapezium, capitate and, scaphoid. Trapezoid fractures occur when a strong bending or axial force is applied to the second metacarpal base. CASE REPORT We present a clinical case of an isolated, non-displaced, trapezoid fracture in a young white male, which was treated with cast immobilization for 4 weeks and physical therapy. Complete functional recovery was achieved 3 months after the injury, without any pain or tenderness.

CONCLUSIONS Fractures of the trapezoid bone usually have a good clinical outcome. Nonetheless, we need to be very suspicious about this diagnosis since radiography is apparently normal in almost all such cases and clinical examination results may not be entirely clear.

Language: en