Traumatic longitudinal disruption of the carpus.

Traumatic longitudinal disruption of the carpus is a rare injury that usually occurs through a weak point between the third and fourth metacarpals and the capitate and hamate. Three cases are reported; all injuries were work related and occurred with a broad crushing injury to the hand and wrist. Two patients were treated by fasciotomies, a carpal tunnel release, and excision of a fractured hook of the hamate. The third patient was treated with carpal tunnel release and percutaneous pinning of a wide diastasis. Despite the return of wrist motion, pinch and grip strength remained below normal range in all three patients at follow-up examinations.