A Case of Trapezio‐Scaphoid Subluxation

directions. There was no carpal instability. Radiographs showed a widening of the space between the scaphoid and the trapezium (Fig.I). A comparative radiograph of the opposite wrist confirmed this (Fig.2). The limb was encased in a below-elbow plaster of Paris cast which included half of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. One month after the injury when the plaster was removed the patient still complained of some pain in the left thumb and the tenderness over the base of the metacarpal persisted. Radiographs showed no change. Progressive active use of the wrist was advised and three months after the fall all was well. Radiographs showed the space between the scaphoid and trapezium to have returned to normal as compared with the opposite side. The original Injury probably followed rupture of the intercarpal ligament. It is difficult to explain whv it was caused by forced abduction of the thumb.