Hand Injuries Associated with Gripping the Steering Wheel During a Head-On Motor Vehicle Collision

 

Clinical features:

(1) history of being a driver in a head-on motor vehicle collision AND gripping the steering wheel

(2) dislocation of the scaphotrapexio-trapezoidal (STT) joint

(3) multiple dislocations of carpometacarpal joints

(4) variable fracture of one or more carpal bones

(5) variable injuries to the radius and/or ulna

(6) often both hands are affected

 

These injuries may be overlooked during the initial assessment and may not be considered later.

 

Hand imaging studies to detail injuries can minimize the number of surgeries required and improve the functional outcome.