gms | German Medical Science

Objectives/Interrogation: This study examines triquetral fracture data from 6 hospital centres between 2009 and 2018. This study focused on elements of triquetral fracture management within these 6 centres, including the incidence, the fracture pattern, the short-term and long-term outcomes and the common mechanisms of injury. It is anticipated this will be the largest cohort of triquetral fractures studied to date and will ultimately lead to treatment recommendations for optimal management of triquetral fractures.

Methods: Data was obtained from hospitals within the Nepean and Blue Mountains Local Health district in NSW, Australia. (Nepean hospital ethics approval no: NBM18/805)

Results and Conclusions: Initial analysis has shown the incidence of triquetral fractures is higher than previously reported and may continue to rise as a result of increasing rates of motor vehicle accidents and falls in an aging population. In addition, triquetral fractures can be challenging to identify with plain radiography, and can be commonly identified as lunate fractures. If there are ongoing symptoms and a high clinical suspicion CT may be indicated and, in future practice, may be justified as a first line imaging modality. Particularly, given the increasingly higher resolution imaging available with shorter radiation exposures. For the management of triquetral fractures where there is a small chip fracture and wrist stability is intact a short arm casts with carpal stability is the standard, however a shorter period maybe useful and more easily tolerated by patients who are compliant and can aid in a rapid functional recovery.