# Neglected Lunate Dislocation: A Case Report on Successful Management With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

**Authors:** Mohammed Ali, Ahmed Alazzawi, Mohammed A Alwatari, Abdullah Zalzala, Mohammed Alghannami

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.86257 · Cureus · 2025-06-18

## TL;DR

A 65-year-old man with a missed wrist injury was successfully treated with surgery six months after the initial injury.

## Contribution

This case highlights successful surgical treatment of a delayed lunate dislocation diagnosis.

## Key findings

- Radiographs and CT confirmed a neglected volar lunate dislocation.
- Surgical ORIF with Kirschner wires led to pain relief and improved wrist function.
- Favorable outcomes are possible even with delayed surgical intervention.

## Abstract

Lunate dislocations are often underdiagnosed wrist injuries that typically result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. If left untreated, they may lead to significant functional impairment.

We report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with persistent wrist pain six months after a fall. The initial diagnosis was missed. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) revealed a neglected volar lunate dislocation. Surgical management with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using Kirschner wires was performed under regional anesthesia. The patient experienced substantial pain relief and improved wrist function postoperatively. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention while demonstrating that favorable outcomes can still be achieved in delayed presentations.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** pain (MESH:D010146), Lunate Dislocation (MESH:D004204), wrist injuries (MESH:D014954), functional impairment (MESH:D003072)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12272136/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12272136/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12272136