A complex hand injury with scaphotrapezial dislocation and dislocation
of the trapezoid, third, fourth, and fifth carpometacarpal joints occ
urred when a motorcyclist was involved in a road accident. The extent
of the injury was initially overlooked. Combined injuries of the carpu
s and carpometacarpal joints can easily be missed at radiographic exam
ination. The true lateral radiograph of the wrist is necessary in the
diagnosis of complex wrist injuries.