Trapezoid fractures: report of 11 cases.

Purpose: Trapezoid fractures are rare. Mostly single cases reports appear in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review 11 patients treated for trapezoid fractures at our center.

Methods: We reviewed all trapezoid fractures that presented over the past 10 years at our institution. We reviewed case notes regarding mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, mode of diagnosis, and time to diagnosis and treatment.

Results: We treated 11 patients for trapezoid fractures over the 10-year period. A correct diagnosis was made in 5 cases on initial evaluation. Most trapezoid fractures were diagnosed on computed tomographic scan. The fracture plane was predominantly sagittal. Coronal fractures could not be diagnosed on plain radiographs.

Conclusions: Fractures of the trapezoid should be suspected from the mechanism of injury, in particular, axial force, and from local tenderness. These fractures may be underdiagnosed. We recommend computed tomography rather than plain radiography alone in case of clinical suspicion.

Type Of Study/level Of Evidence: Diagnostic IV.