Wrist Injury in Deployed U.S. Marine-How to Maintain the Mission.

Wrist Injury in Deployed U.S. Marine-How to Maintain the Mission. Mil Med. 2019 Oct 28;: Authors: Franssen NT, Carpenter RJ, Stuart SM Abstract Wrist pain commonly affects military members and while most instances are benign, some require urgent orthopedic attention to prevent permanent loss of function. A 27-year-old male Marine while deployed presented with wrist pain after a seemingly benign fall during recreation. Radiographs were initially read as unremarkable and treated as a sprain. Though when reviewed by the Shock Trauma Platoon physicians, a perilunate dislocation was noted. After unsuccessful closed attempts to reduce injury, the Marine was sent to orthopedic surgery and underwent open reduction internal fixation and required a subsequent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Perilunate dislocations are uncommon but are among the most severe types of wrist injuries. This case is a reminder that proper evaluation of all injuries is critical. Proper evaluation of wrist injuries includes an attentive physical exam and careful examination of the radiographs; paying close attention to Gilula arcs and collinearity of the radius, lunate, and capitate. Prompt recognition and referral to specialty care for definitive treatment are important to maximize functional outcomes. PMID: 31665415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Military Medicine - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Tags: Mil Med Source Type: research