Isolated Pathological Fracture of the Capitate Bone

Abstract

Isolated fracture of the capitate bone is rare, but an isolated pathological fracture due to leprosy has not been previously reported. Although varying degrees of trauma is implied to be associated with fractures, this case illustrates a pathological fracture of the capitate apparently due solely to a specific disease. Fracture has occurred without a history of trauma and there has been no displacement of the fragments on x-rays over a period exceeding ten years even though it has been subjected to unrestricted activities by the patient who has clinically inactive disease.