The acute injured wrist, an anatomic basis for operative treatment

Rational guidelines are provided for the early operative treatment of the severely injured wrist. The prominent anatomic features of the wrist as well as clinically relevant kinematics and pathomechanics are reviewed. Diagnostic and operative techniques applicable to acute injury are described. The authors point out that while the concept of prompt restoration of normal and anatomic relationships in the acutely injured wrist may appear to be simple, the clinical application of the concept is quite difficult. However, an accurate diagnosis along with early meticulous surgical intervention will generally lead to a good result.