Management

This injury requires prompt reduction and immobilization in the emergency department. The reduction can be performed with volar pressure and extension of the wrist. After successful reduction, the wrist should be placed in a volar splint. Orthopedic consultation should be obtained from the emergency department as most of these injuries will require surgical repair of the disrupted ligaments. Without surgical intervention, functional outcomes are poor and recurrent dislocation is common. Worst case scenario, avascular necrosis of the lunate can occur, also known as Kienbock disease. Unfortunately even with treatment, many of these patients will still experience future degenerative arthritis.