AO Surgery Reference update: Publication of Carpal bones

The aim of the current module revision is to make the diagnostics and treatment of the most common wrist injuries accessible to orthopedic trauma surgeons who are not hand specialists. Diagnostics and treatment are discussed step by step and documented with drawings, radiographs, CT scans and perioperative photos in the sense of a simple cookbook. The pages devoted to fractures of the carpal bones other than the scaphoid expand the original concept and allow readers to familiarize themselves with the basic principles of treatment for these less common injuries.

Access the Carpal bones module

Concept of emerging complexity

A common problem with carpal injuries is their complexity. The forces that cause carpal injuries may not be exhausted by affecting one bone (eg, scaphoid) or one ligament complex (scapholunate), but may further injure other structures in the sense of the greater or lesser arc pattern. Keeping this in mind will reduce the risk of overlooking some carpal injuries and resulting inadequate therapy with poor final outcome.

What does the revision include?

Pavel Dráč (CZ) and Matej Kastelec (SI), with Simon Lambert (UK) as executive editor, have thoroughly revised the content and all illustrations.

The second edition now includes the following topics:

  • Hamate hook fracture management
  • Tubercle avulsion fractures
  • Differentiation of lesser arc and greater arc injuries
  • Description and indications for scaphoid dissociation, lunocapitate and midcarpal dislocation, and lunate dislocation
  • Dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the carpometacarpal joints

The module has been complemented with the following pages:

  • Classification (Perilunate injuries and Hirano)
  • Patient assessment and preparation
  • Complications and technical failures
  • Basic technique on headless compression screw fixation

The following videos have been added:

  • Scaphoid-Fracture – Percutaneous Fixation with the 3.0 mm Headless Compression Screw (HCS)
  • Wrist joint – Dorsal approach
  • Wrist joint–Scaphoid bone – Palmar approach