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What You Need to Know About Capitate Fractures
Published: Aug 09, 2024
Capitate fractures, though rare, can cause significant wrist pain and swelling. This article explains what they are and how they're diagnosed.
What Is a Capitate Fracture?
The capitate is the largest bone in the wrist and may fracture during falls or trauma. These fractures account for about 5% of all carpal fractures, making them relatively uncommon. They often occur with other wrist injuries, complicating their diagnosis and treatment.
How Capitate Fractures Happen
Most capitate fractures result from falls onto an outstretched hand or car accidents. The force can travel through the wrist, causing fractures at the capitate's neck. Sometimes, these fractures happen alongside dislocations or other carpal injuries.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Capitate fractures usually cause pain and swelling on the wrist's back. Tenderness is often felt near the base of the third finger. Movement and strength may be limited, and in some cases, nerve injury can occur if there is a dislocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are mainly caused by falls or accidents.
They make up about 5% of carpal fractures.
Pain and swelling on the wrist's back.
They often occur with other wrist injuries.
The Bottom Line
Capitate fractures are rare but can severely impact wrist function if not properly treated.
References
- van Onselen EB, Karim RB, Hage JJ, Ritt MJ. Prevalence and distribution of hand fractures. J Hand Surg Br 2003; 28:491.
- Welling RD, Jacobson JA, Jamadar DA, et al. MDCT and radiography of wrist fractures: radiographic sensitivity and fracture patterns. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2008; 190:10.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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