Management of Isolated Capitate Nonunion: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Background Isolated capitate nonunion is rare. No consensus on the appropriate treatment for this condition exists.

Case Description We reported two cases of capitate fracture nonunion presenting several months after untreated high-impact wrist trauma. Treatment was delayed as both patients' nonunions were missed on conventional radiographs. Both were ultimately diagnosed with advanced imaging and successfully treated with internal fixation and autogenous bone grafting. The relevant literature pertaining to capitate nonunion was reviewed.

Literature Review Immobilization and internal fixation with bone grafting for capitate nonunion have been described in the literature. Loss of vascular supply and progression to avascular necrosis is a concern after capitate nonunion.

Clinical Relevance We present two cases and review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of this rare injury to guide management. Internal fixation with autogenous bone grafting could play a role in management for this rare condition.

Keywords

capitate fracture - capitate nonunion - wrist trauma

Note

This investigation was performed at Hospital for Special Surgery and Stanford University Medical Center.

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