Capitate-trapezoid synostosis: Analysis of an early bronze age case and review of the literature

Carpal synostoses are congenital defects characterized by complete or incomplete coalition of two or more carpal bones. Although most of these defects are discovered only incidentally, sometimes they become clinically manifest. Among the different types of carpal coalition, the synostosis between capitate and trapezoid bones is quite rare, with only sparse data available in the literature. The aim of this report was to describe a case of capitate-trapezoid synostosis observed in an ancient human skeleton, as well as to scrutinize the pertinent literature in order to assess for the characteristics of this type of defect, including its potential relevance to clinical practice.