In five patients with fracture-dislocation of a radiocarpal joint, the
wrist injury was severe and associated with injuries to other systems.
Typically there was neurovascular impairment and closed reduction was
performed as soon as possible to relieve pressure to tension on vessels and
nerves. Fracture of the radial and ulnar styloid processes, fracture of the
dorsal rim of the radial articular surface, and a multitude of carpal and
intercarpal injuries were present in all cases. Early open reduction,
internal fixation of the fractures, and repair of all torn ligaments
appeared to be the treatment of choice.