Fracture-dislocation of the radiocarpal joint.

In five patients with fracture-dislocation of a radiocarpal joint, the wrist injury was severe and associated with injuries to other systems. Typically there was neurovascular impairment and closed reduction was performed as soon as possible to relieve pressure to tension on vessels and nerves. Fracture of the radial and ulnar styloid processes, fracture of the dorsal rim of the radial articular surface, and a multitude of carpal and intercarpal injuries were present in all cases. Early open reduction, internal fixation of the fractures, and repair of all torn ligaments appeared to be the treatment of choice.