[Carpal injuries in children]

Carpal injuries in children are uncommon. Radiographic diagnosis can be difficult because of late ossification of carpal bones. Scaphoid fracture occurs in 3% of hand and wrist fractures. Fractures in the distal third or at the waist are the most frequent fracture sites. In case of clinical and X-rays presumption, CT-scan and MRI often diagnose scaphoid fractures. Orthopaedic treatment with closed cast for 8 weeks, or more for adolescents, gives a high rate of union in non-displaced or minimally-displaced fractures. Non-union is the most frequent complication. Closed cast can be the treatment of non-union in absence of humpback or DISI deformity. Other carpal bone fractures or ligament injuries of the wrist in children are uncommon and CT-scan, MRI or arthroscopy can be useful in case of clinical suspicion.