Monteggia’s fracture is a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna and an anterior dislocation of the head of the radius at the elbow.
Galeazzi’s fracture is a fracture of the distal third of the radius associated with subluxation (partial dislocation) of the head of the ulna at the wrist joint.
Colles’ fracture is a fracture, and posterior displacement, of the distal end of the radius.
Whenever a fracture of the radius or ulna is demonstrated radiographically, further images of the elbow and wrist should be obtained to exclude dislocations.
In the clinic
Transection of the radial or ulnar artery
Adult patients may transect the radial or ulnar artery because these vessels are relatively subcutaneous. A typical method of injury is when the hand is forced through a plate glass window. Fortunately, the dual supply to the hand usually enables the surgeon to tie off either the ulnar or the radial artery, without significant consequence.
In the clinic
Fracture of the scaphoid and avascular necrosis of the proximal scaphoid
The commonest carpal injury is a fracture across the waist of the scaphoid bone (Fig. 7.96). It is uncommon to see other injuries. In approximately 10% of individuals, the scaphoid bone has a sole blood supply from the radial artery, which enters through the distal portion of the bone to supply the proximal portion. When a fracture occurs across the waist of the scaphoid, the proximal portion therefore undergoes avascular necrosis. It is impossible to predict which patients have this blood supply.
In the clinic
Interruption of the blood supply to the lunate can lead to avascular necrosis of the lunate, known as Kienbock’s disease (Fig. 7.97). This can cause pain and stiffness and arthritis in the longer term.
In the clinic
A large median artery is an anatomical variant found in some individuals, where a persistent artery runs alongside the median nerve in one or both forearms and through the carpal tunnel. Individuals are at risk from heavy bleeding from deep cuts to the wrist.
In the clinic
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment syndrome caused by pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The etiology of this condition is often obscure, though in some instances the nerve injury may be a direct effect of increased pressure on the median nerve caused by overuse, swelling of the tendons and tendon sheaths (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and cysts arising from the carpal joints. Increased pressure in the carpal tunnel is thought to cause venous congestion that produces nerve edema and anoxic damage to the capillary endothelium of the median nerve itself.
Patients typically report pain and pins-and-needles sensations in the distribution of the median nerve. Weakness and loss of muscle bulk of the thenar muscles may also occur. Gently tapping over the median nerve (in the region of the flexor retinaculum) readily produces these symptoms (Tinel’s sign).
Initial treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation and removing any repetitive insults that produce the symptoms. If this does not lead to improvement, nerve conduction studies will be necessary to confirm nerve entrapment, which may require surgical decompression of the flexor retinaculum.
In the clinic
The palmar fascia can become abnormally thickened in certain individuals, causing the fingers to progressively develop a fixed flexion position. This results in loss of dexterity and function, and in severe cases requires surgical removal of the abnormal tissue.
In the clinic
The anatomical snuffbox is an important clinical region. When the hand is in ulnar deviation, the scaphoid becomes palpable within the snuffbox. This position enables the physician to palpate the bone to assess for a fracture. The pulse of the radial artery can also be felt in the snuffbox.
In the clinic