PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
June 3, 2026Cureus0 citationsOpen Access

Isolated Palmar Scaphoid Dislocation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

LSLukas SpruytABAnnelien BraunsGMGerry Van der Mieren

Key Points

  • To document an unusual case of isolated palmar scaphoid dislocation and discuss its management.
  • Reported the case of a 47-year-old female with a palmar scaphoid dislocation after a fall.
  • Performed closed reduction under locoregional anesthesia and K-wire fixation for stabilization.
  • Immobilized in an open scaphoid cast for six weeks followed by physiotherapy.
  • Computed tomography confirmed an isolated palmar dislocation without fracture.
  • Closed reduction was successfully achieved with palmar-to-dorsal pressure on the scaphoid.
  • Patient showed progression to recovery with physiotherapy post-cast removal.

Abstract

Scaphoid dislocations are extremely rare injuries that typically occur in association with carpal fractures or complex carpal dissociation patterns. Isolated scaphoid dislocations, particularly palmar dislocations without associated fractures, are exceptionally uncommon. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to prevent complications such as persistent carpal instability or degenerative changes. We report the case of a 47-year-old female who sustained an isolated palmar dislocation of the scaphoid following a fall onto the ulnar side of the left wrist. Initial plain radiography suggested abnormal scaphoid alignment without fracture; computed tomography confirmed an isolated palmar scaphoid dislocation. Closed reduction under locoregional anesthesia was achieved by applying palmar-to-dorsal directed pressure on the scaphoid tubercle. Percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation was subsequently performed to maintain reduction. Immobilization in an open scaphoid cast was maintained for six weeks. After six weeks, the K-wires were removed and the patient started physiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this rare injury pattern and supports early reduction with temporary fixation as an effective management strategy. A brief review of the literature is provided.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Spruyt et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1fc3c1dee9eb8c0dce53c6https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.109980
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Isolated Dislocation of the Carpal Scaphoid: A Case Report2024 · 1 citations
  2. 2Two Cases of Dislocation of Carpal Scaphoid1930 · 34 citations
  3. 3Solitary Dislocation of the Scaphoid1998 · 40 citations
  4. 4Dislocation of the carpal scaphoid: An 8-year follow-up1992 · 24 citations
  5. 5Isolated Dorsal Dislocation of the Scaphoid1990 · 26 citations