Avascular Necrosis with Cystic Changes in the Triquetrum after Trauma in Combination with Heavy Smoking and Local Corticosteroid Injections

Abstract

The triquetrum is rarely affected by avascular necrosis compared with other carpal bones. We report a case of avascular necrosis of the triquetrum in a 50-year-old patient, with a history of wrist trauma, local corticosteroid injections, and heavy smoking. She presented with severe wrist pain and signs of cystic changes and avascular necrosis determined by magnetic resonance imaging. She was effectively treated with a proximal row carpectomy. We suspect that the combination of the injury in combination with local corticosteroids and smoking may have led to the necrosis.

Navigating Post-Traumatic Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Directions

“…There are also detrimental effects on wound healing and bone repair due to impaired bone vascular endothelium. This can increase post-traumatic complications such as avascular bone necrosis and disrupted recovery after injury [110,111]. Clinically, smokers are significantly associated with an increased risk of fractures compared to non-smokers [93].…”