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Abstract

Vertical trapezial fractures are rare and are the analog of a Bennett’s fracture. The mechanism that causes this fracture is either direct trauma or a fallon the hyperextended wrist, with radial deviation wedging the trapezium between the base of the thumb metacarpal and the radial styloid. The fracture is best visualized on radiographic examination from an oblique view with the ulnar side of the wrist resting on the cassette and the forearm pronated 20 Degrees (Fig. 11-1 A). The instability and consequent displacement of this fracture-dislocation result from the unstable vertical configuration of the fracture, disruption of the anterior oblique or ulnar check ligament from the base of the thumb metacarpal, and the pull of the abductor pollicis longus tendon, which is similar to that of a Bennett's fracture. Successful treatment of this fracture- dislocation requires open reduction and internal fixation.

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© 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Freeland, A.E., Jabaley, M.E., Hughes, J.L. (1986). Vertical Trapezial Fractures. In: Stable Fixation of the Hand and Wrist. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8640-7_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8640-7_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-8642-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-8640-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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