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J Wrist Surg 2020; 9(06): 518-522
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710394
Case Report

Locked Wrist: A Case Report and Literature Review on Pisotriquetral Loose Bodies

R. Gil Thompson
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
,
George C. Poulis
2   Atlanta Braves, Atlanta, Georgia
,
Gary M. Lourie
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
2   Atlanta Braves, Atlanta, Georgia
3   The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abstract

Background Pisotriquetral (PT) loose bodies have been described in the literature only a few times as case reports. While PT pathology remains the differential for ulnar-sided wrist pain, it can often be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can be variable and radiographic imaging may be negative for any findings.

Case Description A 24-year-old major league baseball player presented with pain and locking of his wrist during follow through of his bat swing. Plain radiographic imaging, as well as computed tomography (CT) imaging, was negative for any pathology. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a loose body which entered the PT joint when the wrist was moved into a flexed position. This caused entrapment of the loose body and locking of the wrist.

Literature Review A total of 17 reported patients in the literature have been diagnosed with a PT loose body. The clinical examination findings, radiographic findings, and surgical findings are reviewed.

Case Relevance PT loose bodies can present a challenging clinical picture to diagnose. The purpose of this case report is to review the appropriate clinical workup, including common examination findings and advanced imaging techniques, to help the clinician with the diagnosis.

Keywords

pisotriquetral joint - loose body - locked wrist

Note

This work was performed at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of Georgia.




Publication History

Received: 19 January 2020

Accepted: 24 March 2020

Article published online:
15 May 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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