A lunate fracture in the wrist can be caused by direct trauma or a fall, and can lead to osteonecrosis if left untreated. Treatment varies from a cast to surgery, and early diagnosis is important to prevent long-term damage.
A lunate fracture occurs when a crack exists anywhere in the lunate bone, found in the human wrist. This type of injury can occur as a result of direct trauma – road traffic accidents are common causes of lunate fracture – or a fall, as many people are prone to supporting themselves with their hands during a fall. A fracture of this bone can be painful and slow to heal, and delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to a condition known as osteonecrosis, which is essentially the death of bone tissue leading to bone weakening or failure.
The lunate bone is one of a series of small bones in the wrist and is located near the center of that joint between the forearm and hand. When impact or pressure is placed on the bone, a fracture or crack can occur. The severity of this fracture can vary significantly, and the pain and swelling associated with the injury can also vary according to the severity. An x-ray is usually done to find out if a lunate fracture has occurred, and in some cases, an MRI may also be used.
Treatment of the fracture will vary. If the bone is not displaced or moved out of position, a cast can be placed on the wrist and hand to immobilize it for several weeks or even months, thus allowing the fracture to heal on its own. More serious injuries may require surgery to address the displaced bone. The screws can be used to secure the bone back together, which can extend the time the injury heals and the amount of pain the injured person will feel. Pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications will likely be prescribed after surgery to help manage pain and swelling.
If the lunate fracture goes undiagnosed, a condition known as osteonecrosis can occur. Limited blood flow to injured bone can lead to cell death within that bone, and the bone will in turn weaken significantly. This can essentially lead to bone death, meaning that another surgery will be needed to completely remove the injured bone or resurface it to promote new cell growth. Long-term damage can be painful and can limit wrist mobility as well as the overall strength and health of that crucial joint. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent osteonecrosis.
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