The Trapezium Dislocation: Case Presentation, Review of the Literature, Radiographic Analysis, Proposed Classification, and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Trapezium dislocations are rare injuries.

METHODS: A PubMed search of the term "trapezium dislocation" was conducted. Publications reporting a complete trapezium dislocation were included in the review.

RESULTS: The PubMed search resulted in 168 results. Fourteen publications reporting on 16 complete trapezium dislocations met inclusion criteria. A case of delayed diagnosis of a trapezium dislocation is presented. The literature is reviewed for pertinent clinically relevant information with respect to trapezium dislocations. A systematic method for radiographic analysis of trapezium dislocations and classification are described, and a treatment algorithm is presented.

CONCLUSIONS: Trapezium dislocations are infrequent injuries with few cases reported in the literature. Given the rarity of this injury, diagnosis and appropriate treatment may be delayed due to difficulty in recognition. Using the described method of radiographic analysis, delayed diagnosis may be avoided with implementation of timely treatment.