Carpal Coalitions and Metacarpal Synostoses

Abstract

Background: Carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis are uncommon congenital anomalies of the carpus and hand. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to help guide surgical and non-surgical treatment of carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis. Results: The embryology, epidemiology, medical and surgical management, and associated outcomes are detailed. Conclusions: Most patients with these disorders will likely benefit from conservative measures. Surgery should be considered in patients with pain and limitations in wrist and hand function.

Pisiform–Hamate Coalition With Entrapment Neuropathy of the Deep Palmar Branch of the Ulnar Nerve

“…1 The most common coalition is the lunateetriquetrum coalition. 2,3 Pisiformehamate coalition is a rare coalition that was first reported by Cockshott. 4 Few reported cases have included symptomatic coalition with ulnar-sided wrist pain.…”

Bilateral Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain due to Pisiform-Hamate Coalition

“…It is mostly an asymptomatic incidental finding on radiographs, which makes its true incidence unknown [2]. The estimated incidence ranges from 0.1% in Caucasians to 8% in some African ethnies [3, 4]. The most common coalition is found between the lunate and triquetrum [4].…”

“…The estimated incidence ranges from 0.1% in Caucasians to 8% in some African ethnies [3, 4]. The most common coalition is found between the lunate and triquetrum [4]. Coalition between the pisiform and the hamate is a rare condition, only described in a few case series and case reports [3, 5–14].…”

Lunotriquetral Coalition: An Unusual Cause of Wrist Pain

“…Carpal coalitions follow an autosomal dominant route of inheritance [2,3]. Even though they are mostly asymptomatic, their non-osseous counterpart may show a range of symptoms, including - but not limited to - ulnar-sided wrist pain, ulnar nerve paresthesia, and an increased risk of degenerative disease [4].…”