Open Reduction and Fixation of Trapezium Fracture

Fractures of trapezium are very rare accounting for about 0.4% of the hand’s injuries [1]. However, they should not be missed because inadequate treatment of trapezium fractures can lead to permanent impairment based on the substantial forces experienced at the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint in pinch and grip [2]. When present, often result of high energy trauma and occur in association with other injuries, most commonly fracture of the first (thumb) metacarpal followed by other carpal bone injuries and the distal radius [3]. In a trans-trapezium fracturedislocation the body of the trapezium is usually split vertically [4]. Several methods have been described in the literature for treatment of this rare fracture, from conservative treatment in plaster to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) [5]. In this article, we report an isolated vertical split trapezium fracture following a fall onto an extended left thumb. It was performed an ORIF with a screw, which resulted in an excellent functional outcome at 6 months follow-up.