Bilateral Complete Osseous Coalition of the Capitate and Trapezoid

Abstract

Background

 Isolated capitate–trapezoid coalition is a rare form of carpal coalition with few cases described in the literature and a little insight as to how it should be addressed clinically.

Case Description

 We present a case of bilateral, a complete osseous carpal coalition between capitate and trapezoid discovered in the setting of atraumatic, symptomatic scapholunate dissociation in a 59-year-old, right-handed mechanic.

Literature Review

 Published reports of capitate–trapezoid coalition are rare, and there is no consensus as to whether this abnormality is a symptomatic pathology or incidental finding. Most reports describe the finding, but do not recommend a course of treatment; several recommend surgery, but the patient declined or it was not mentioned whether it was performed.

Clinical Relevance

 Capitate–trapezoid coalition is a rare condition that may present symptomatically or may be found incidentally. Reports are scant, and there are no guidelines for how to address these clinically. We present the first bilateral case report of capitate–trapezoid coalition confirmed with cross-sectional imaging and present a treatment algorithm.