A Triquetral fracture is a break of the Triquetral bone (sometimes called triquetrum). It is one of the eight small carpal bones in the wrist and the second most commonly fractured carpal. A sudden, direct impact is the most common cause, resulting in wrist pain on the little finger side.
Symptoms of Triquetrum fracture
A triquetral fracture normally results from impact, trauma or falling onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms consist of:
- Pain in the wrist, specifically on the little or pinky finger side of the wrist.
- Rapid swelling of the wrist.
- Tenderness when pressing in over the site of the fracture.
- You will have reduced grip strength and range of motion in your wrist.
What is a Triquetrum fracture?
Triquetral fractures most commonly occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand, especially if your wrist is bent back and tilted (wrist extension & ulna deviation). A direct impact from a blunt, hard object on the back of the wrist could also cause this injury.
Triquetral fractures may occur in isolation, with no other associated injuries. However, they are often more complicated and occur alongside other carpal fractures and dislocations. If you have a broken wrist then you may also have damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments as well.
The carpal bones are 8 small bones which make up the wrist. They are the Scaphoid, Hamate, Lunate, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate and Pisiform. Any of the carpal bones can break, causing a broken wrist. A Scaphoid fracture is the most common wrist fracture. The next common is a Triquetrum fracture.
Treatment
If a fracture is suspected, seek medical attention as soon as possible. An X-ray will be required to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any associated injuries. Isolated Triquetral fractures tend to heal well with immobilization.
The wrist is placed in a cast for approximately 6 weeks so the bone can heal. After this period, the cast is removed and wrist exercises to regain full movement and strength at the wrist should be performed.
