Fracture of the dorsoulnar tubercle of the trapezium.

The dorsoulnar tubercle of the trapezium may fracture, and this fracture may be missed without precise physical examination and correct radiographic studies. If there is persistent localized pain and tenderness in this region and the results of routine wrist radiographic examination are normal, a bone scan should be performed. If there is localized uptake in the area of the trapezium, additional radiographic studies may be necessary to confirm or exclude this fracture. Four patients with this previously unreported fracture and a method for its detection are presented.