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J Wrist Surg 2020; 09(01): 063-070
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1683846
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Uncommon Trapezium Fracture: A Case Series

S. R. Beekhuizen
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, HagaZiekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands
,
C. R. Quispel
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, HagaZiekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands
,
J. Jasper
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, HagaZiekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands
,
R. L. M. Deijkers
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, HagaZiekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

13 December 2018

06 February 2019

Publication Date:
27 March 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Background Isolated trapezium fractures are rare and account for only 1 to 5% of all carpal fractures but are still the third most common carpal fracture. Trapezium fractures are hard to detect and easily missed on standard radiographs. Trapezium fractures can be treated conservatively, as well as operatively, the best treatment is still debatable. Damage of the joint surface between the trapezium and the base of the first metacarpal or scaphoid could cause pain and restriction of movements. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat the fracture at early stage, so that articular congruence is guaranteed.

Case description We present four cases of the uncommon trapezium fracture. All four cases are conservatively treated with good results, there was no need for operative treatment in all the cases.

Literature review The literature describes the possibility to use fixation techniques, only when it is not possible to reduce the displaced fracture or the residual articular step-off is too high a fixation technique should be used.

Clinical relevance Primarily, we would recommend navicular cast immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks as initial treatment.

Keywords

trapezium - fracture - uncommon - conservative treatment - casting
 

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