Bridge plating of the wrist for temporary stabilization of concomitant radiocarpal, intercarpal, and carpometacarpal injuries: a report of two cases.

Abstract

Concomitant injuries of the radiocarpal, intercarpal, and carpometacarpal joints are rare and usually result from very high-energy trauma. The skeletal injury is often accompanied by severe soft tissue trauma. Repair of the radiocarpal and intercarpal ligaments needs to be augmented with immobilization. Traditional methods of immobilization, such as casts and external fixators have limitations. We describe our experience in 2 patients using a technique in which a wrist arthrodesis plate is temporarily placed from the radius to metacarpal to span the carpus and protect the radiocarpal and intercarpal repairs. The plate is removed after 3 months.