A perilunate dislocation is a significant wrist injury where the bones surrounding the lunate bone are displaced, while the lunate itself often stays in place.

It's usually caused by high-energy trauma, such as a fall from height or a motor vehicle accident, with the wrist forced backward.

Symptoms include severe wrist pain, swelling, deformity, and often numbness or weakness in the hand.

Diagnosis typically involves X-rays, and sometimes CT or MRI, to assess the extent of ligament and bone injury.

Yes, due to the severity of the injury and risk of nerve involvement, prompt evaluation and treatment are important.

Yes, the median nerve is commonly affected due to its close proximity to the injured area.

Treatment usually involves urgent reduction of the dislocation, often followed by surgery to repair ligaments and stabilize the wrist.

Yes, surgery is typically required to properly realign and stabilize the wrist bones and repair ligament damage.

Recovery can take several months, including healing time, immobilization, and rehabilitation.

Yes, immobilization is common after surgery to protect the healing structures.

Yes, even with treatment, some people experience ongoing stiffness, weakness, or arthritis.

Yes, therapy plays an important role in regaining wrist motion and strength.

Unfortunately, yes, this injury can sometimes be missed if not carefully evaluated, so a thorough exam is important.

Ligaments supporting the carpal bones, particularly around the lunate, are commonly torn.

Yes, this significant injury can increase the risk of developing wrist arthritis over time, even with treatment.

Yes, numbness, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, is common due to nerve involvement.

Prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage and improve outcomes.

Yes, associated fractures, such as of the scaphoid bone, can occur with this injury.

Some cases may require more than one procedure, especially if there are complications or the injury is complex.

Yes, grip strength can be affected, especially with more severe or delayed-treatment injuries.

It can occur at any age but is often associated with high-energy trauma, which can happen to younger, active individuals.

Surgery is generally necessary for a good outcome due to the extent of ligament and bone displacement involved.

Untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, deformity, nerve damage, and significant wrist dysfunction.

Yes, follow-up imaging helps confirm proper alignment and monitor healing.

Yes, associated nerve involvement can affect finger sensation and movement.

Yes, some stiffness is common, and therapy is important to help maximize recovery.

Recurrence after proper surgical treatment is uncommon, though the wrist remains an area to monitor.

Yes, pins, screws, or other hardware are commonly used to stabilize the wrist bones during healing.

Yes, swelling and nerve compression from this injury can lead to acute carpal tunnel syndrome.

In cases with significant nerve compression, addressing this may be part of the overall surgical treatment.

Surgery is often performed as soon as reasonably possible after diagnosis, given the severity of the injury.

Wrist motion, including some aspects of forearm rotation, can be affected depending on the extent of injury.

Yes, occupational therapy can help with regaining hand function and adapting to any lasting limitations.

Yes, given the high-energy mechanism, other injuries may occur at the same time and should be assessed.

Yes, significant swelling is common given the severity of this injury.

It's possible in severe trauma affecting both hands, though it typically occurs in one wrist.

Appearance often improves significantly with treatment, though some residual changes can occur with severe injuries.

Yes, delays in treatment can worsen outcomes, particularly regarding nerve recovery and joint function.

It's often associated with high-impact activities or accidents involving significant force to the wrist.

Yes, this ligament is commonly involved in the pattern of injury seen with perilunate dislocations.

Some patients may use a removable brace for additional support during the transition period after cast removal.

Yes, therapy often begins once your surgeon determines it's safe, to help support recovery.

Some reduction in motion is common after this severe injury, even with good treatment.

Yes, depending on job demands, significant time off or modified duties may be needed during recovery.

Yes, follow-up care is especially important given the complexity and severity of this injury.

Imaging helps assess healing and alignment, which relate to the potential for long-term wrist function.

In cases with significant arthritis development, wrist fusion or other reconstructive options may be considered later.

Return to sports depends on recovery and any lasting limitations, and should be guided by your doctor.

Yes, new or worsening numbness or weakness should be reported to your doctor promptly.

Seek immediate medical care for any significant wrist trauma with severe pain, deformity, or numbness.