Simultaneous fracture of the scaphoid and trapezium is very rare and this combination of fractures has been reported only occasionally. We reviewed a 19-year-old man with radial tuberosity fracture of the trapezium (type 2A according to the classification of Walker et. al.) and incomplete fracture through the waist of the scaphoid (type A2 according to Herbert).
The mechanism of this combination fracture is controversial. Our patient's motorcycle collided into a car from the left side causing the handlebar to forcefully swing clockwise. The shearing force of the handlebar was exerted on the base of the first metacarpal through the first web space at the ulnar flexion position of the wrist, resulting in radial tuberosity fracture. This force was transmitted to the scaphoid and at the same time the scaphoid was hyperextended forcefully and injured.
We performed open anatomical reduction of the articular surface of the trapezium and percutaneous fixation with a Herbert-Whipple screw for the scaphoid fracture. The patient achieved early functional recovery with this procedure.
