Gregory Waryasz MD, Ashley Davidoff MD 

The Common Vein Copyright 2011

Definition

Fractures of the trapezoid  are usually caused by axial loads transmitted through the second metacarpal are often characteristically associated with other injuries.

The trapezoid is only 0.2% of all carpal fractures.

The fracture may be complicated in the acute phase by neurovascular injury, or in the subacute or chronic phases by nonunion, malunion, infection, osteonecrosis, or osteoarthritis.

The diagnosis of this injury is usually made by a combination of physical examination and x-ray imaging.

Imaging includes the use of plain x-rays, and if indicated CT-scan, or MRI.

 

Nondisplaced fractures are treated with splinting or casting for 6 weeks.  ORIF with Kirschner wires is performed for displaced fractures

The Normal Trapezoid

Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD 45738c01

References

Davis MF, Davis PF, Ross DS. Expert Guide to Sports Medicine. ACP Series, 2005.

Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.

Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.

Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.

Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.