Post traumatic ligamentous instability of the wrist.

Dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, ulnar translocation, and dorsal carpal subluxation are four, not uncommon, post-traumatic carpal ligamentous instabilities. Palmar carpal subluxation is a theoretical possibility. Dorsiflexion and palmar flexion instabilities are named for the way the distal lunate articular surface dorsally and palmarly, respectively. Ulnar translocation, and dorsal and ventral carpal subluxations are named according to movement of the entire carpus at the radiocarpal joint. Early detection of traumatic carpal instabilities is necessary to encourage optimal treatment of these significant carpal malalignments. These and other patients with disabling wrist problems may be evaluated by a "ligamentous instability series."