Bilateral trapezium and multiple metacarpal base fractures: An uncommon case report

Abstract

Although fractures of the trapezium are extremely rare, the bone plays a crucial role in grip and pinch movements of the hand. These fractures may be associated with a concomitant fracture of the first metacarpal base and dislocation of the carpometacarpal joint. A 19-year-old male presented with bilateral hand and wrist pain following a motorcycle accident. Imaging revealed a comminuted Walker type V trapezium fracture and a second metacarpal base fracture on the right side and a non-displaced Walker type IV trapezium fracture with second, third, and fourth metacarpal base fractures on the left. The left trapezium fracture was managed conservatively, while metacarpal fractures were treated with percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. On the right, closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation were applied for the comminuted trapezium and associated metacarpal base fractures. The patient achieved complete bone union at one-year follow-up with no range of motion limitation. However, hand grip and key pinch strength were below normative values bilaterally, likely due to trauma, with slightly better results on the nonoperatively treated side. In conclusion, this case emphasizes the importance of high clinical suspicion and advanced imaging in the diagnosis of trapezium fractures, particularly in high-energy trauma. Individualized treatment strategies based on fracture type and displacement can result in satisfactory radiological and functional outcomes even in complex bilateral cases.

Citation: Erdoğan Y, Karaduman M. Bilateral trapezium and multiple metacarpal base fractures: An uncommon case report. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2026;37(1):i-v. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2026.2372.