Subluxation of the carpal navicular bone.

A review of seven cases of subluxation of the carpal navicular indicated a vast discrepancy in result between those surgically reduced within five weeks and those that persist at two years unrecognized. Perilunal dislocations universally produced subluxations that required open reduction of subluxed naviculo-lunate articulation. With an appreciation of normal radiologic navicular relationships, one should recognize a subluxation early, correct it by open reduction, and thus prevent a chronic disability to a wrist. Late attempts at relocating and remodeling the navicular seemed only partially rewarding, since patients continued to have considerable disability.