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.
[the_ad id=”41081″]Symptoms of Triquetrum fracture
A triquetrial 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.
[the_ad id=”41049″]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.