Dorsal radiocarpal dislocation in a patient with Goldenhar syndrome: Case report

Background: Fracture-dislocations of the carpus are rare, generally occurring after high-energy trauma. Goldenhar syndrome is among a group of genetic abnormalities associated with radial limb defects. We present a case of a dorsal radiocarpal dislocation in a patient with Goldenhar syndrome after a low-energy fall. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of radiocarpal dislocation in the setting of Goldenhar syndrome. Methods: This patient with Goldenhar syndrome had a dorsal radiocarpal dislocation in the setting of an absent scaphoid and dysplastic distal radius. A computed tomography scan, recognized as a useful modality to evaluate the wrist and scaphoid, was used to rule out any other osseous trauma or avulsion fractures. Results: Closed reduction and 6 weeks of immobilization resulted in a successful treatment. Conclusions: The incidence of radiocarpal dislocations in patients with Goldenhar syndrome and the appropriate long-term treatment for patients with Goldenhar syndrome with radiocarpal dislocations require further investigation.