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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 17-01-2023 | Carpal Fracture | Original Article

Epidemiology of carpal fractures: is it only about the scaphoid?

Authors: Olivia Boeddrich, Anna Lena Sander, Thomas Lustenberger, Ingo Marzi, Johannes Frank, Maika Voth, Katharina Sommer

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Because of their low incidence, studies about carpal fractures are rare. The aim of the present study was to analyze epidemiology and treatment of fractured carpal bones. We retrospectively analyzed data of 178 patients admitted to our emergency room with carpal fractures over 6 years. More males than woman were injured. In 91%, a CT scan was performed. The most commonly affected bone was the triquetrum followed by the scaphoid. Almost all triquetral fractures were treated conservatively as opposed to perilunate dislocations that were all operated on. Half of all patients with scaphoid fractures were operated. Young men had the highest risk to sustain a carpal fracture. The triquetrum and the scaphoid are most frequently affected. Usually a CT scan is needed. Treatment of scaphoid and perilunate luxation fractures is rather operative whereas the other fractures mostly allow conservative casting. Nevertheless, correct indication for treatment is important to avoid sequelae.

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Title: Epidemiology of carpal fractures: is it only about the scaphoid?
Authors: Olivia Boeddrich
Anna Lena Sander
Thomas Lustenberger
Ingo Marzi
Johannes Frank
Maika Voth
Katharina Sommer
Publication date: 17-01-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Carpal Fracture
Scaphoid Fracture
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-022-02213-5

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Epidemiology of carpal fractures: is it only about the scaphoid?

Abstract

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