Abstract

A rare injury of the wrist, scapho-capitate fracture syndrome, in a young patient is reported. Despite early recognition of the injury and surgical intervention, the scaphoid fracture did not unite and another attempt to achieve union with bone grafting and internal fixation also failed. The wrist continued to be painful and stiff. Radiographs of the wrist, 18 months after the injury, showed nonunion of the scaphoid, avascular necrosis of the scaphoid and the lunate and carpal collapse with midcarpal joint arthritis. Due to persistent and disabling symptoms arthrodesis of the wrist had to be carried out. Possible causes for the bad outcome after this injury are discussed. We recommend open reduction for the fracture of the capitate and open reduction and internal fixation with primary bone grafting for a displaced comminuted scaphoid fracture.