Floating Wrist: A Rare Case Report and Review of Anatomical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Aspects

Introduction: Joint injuries in the upper limb are uncommon and have received limited attention in the literature. This case report presents the first described case in the literature of a “floating wrist” and aims to highlight the diagnostic, anatomical, and therapeutic aspects of this injury. Case Report: A 27-year-old male was involved in a severe car accident, resulting in a closed deformity of the right wrist. The patient suffered fractures of the forearm bones and dislocation fracture of all five wrist rays. Surgical intervention was performed to repair the fractures and stabilize the wrist. Despite post-operative complications, the patient demonstrated positive functional outcomes after a 12-month follow-up. Discussion: The term “floating wrist” refers to a rare condition characterized by fractures and/or dislocations of all five wrist rays, accompanied by fractures of the forearm bones. Diagnosis can be complicated due to polytrauma and wrist edema. Early surgical management and rehabilitation are essential for achieving favorable outcomes. Further research is necessary to improve our understanding of this uncommon injury. Conclusion: This case report highlights a unique instance of a “floating wrist” and emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention, and prompt rehabilitation in a comprehensive management of these complex injuries. Enhanced comprehension of this rare condition is crucial for improving patient outcomes in similar traumatic scenarios. Keywords: Floating wrist, fractures of the forearm bones, distal radius and ulna fractures, dislocation fracture of the five metacarpal bones, dislocation fracture of the five wrist rays, carpometacarpal dislocation, radio-clinical diagnosis, surgical intervention, rehabilitation, functional outcomes.