Traumatic Ulnar Translocation of the Carpus

Ulnar translocation of the carpus is a form of wrist instability where the small bones of the wrist shift out of position. It is well recognized in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but can also occur after a traumatic event, such as a violent football tackle or a fall from a height. The treatment options vary considerably, and there is no consensus of how to best address this injury pattern.

Because traumatic ulnar translocation is relatively rare, the diagnosis may be missed or delayed, causing problems for the patient such as persistent pain and loss of function. The investigators present 11 cases of this injury, discuss how to recognize it, and report our results after different treatment methods.

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Key information

Conditions

Traumatic Ulnar Translocation of the Carpus

Age range

17 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Chicago Center for Surgery of the Hand

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

About this study

Ulnar translocation of the carpus is a form of wrist instability where the entire carpus translates medially along the inclined plane of the distal radius. This pattern of instability has been well recognized in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as a result of articular erosions and attenuation of wrist ligaments. In contrast, ulnar translocation of the carpus following trauma is seemingly rare, with published accounts limited to case reports and small case series.

The radiographic features of traumatic ulnocarpal translocation have been described and the instability pattern has been reproduced in cadaveric models. However, the recognition of radiocarpal malalignment may be unintentionally missed or delayed owing due to the uncommon nature of the this injury. The investigators present 11 cases of posttraumatic ulnar translocation of the carpus and review criteria for early recognition of the injury and the results following varying treatment methods.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patient who suffered traumatic ulnar translocation of the carpus Willing to sign the consent

Exclusion criteria

Patients with collagen vascular disease

Treatment and study plan

Surgery or immobilization

Procedure

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Northwestern University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Traumatic Ulnar Translocation of the Carpus: Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Important dates

Study start: 2005
Primary completion: 2012
Study completion: 2012
First posted: Dec 10, 2010
Registry last updated: Feb 3, 2012

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.