PATTERN OF WRIST INJURIES IN RIYADH, SAUDI-ARABIA

During the 5-year period from January 1986 to December 1990, 135 wrist injuries were diagnosed in 84 patients admitted to Riyadh Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Analysis of these injuries showed that the scaphoid fractures are the most common (40%) followed by distal radius (28%). The percentage of dislocation was found to be more than that reported by others; reaching 27%. Perilunate dislocations accounted for 10% of which 79% were transscaphoid perilunate dislocations. Lunate dislocation accounted for 7.5%. Associated injuries were found in 47% of injuries and combined wrist injuries occurred in 44% of patients. The rate of missed injuries was 8%. Most injuries were due to occupational accidents (33%) and occurred in males (93%), between 20 and 39 years of age 161%). This study showed higher incidence of dislocation in wrist injuries (27%) than previously reported. It also shows the importance of examining wrist in other limb and axial injuries as the incidence of associated and combined injuries was high.