Dorsal Intercarpal Augmentation Ligamentoplasty for Scapholunate Dissociation

Abstract

Carpal instability secondary to scapholunate ligament tears can lead to significant disability of the wrist. Disruption of the ligamentous stabilizers of the scaphoid causes rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid and subsequent abnormal loads across the radioscaphoid joint. Arthritic changes involving the radioscaphoid and midcarpal joint will develop if the wrist is untreated. Treatment of scapholunate ligament tears has varied widely in the literature. Today, most surgeons perform either a soft tissue reconstruction using local tissue or a limited fusion. Motion of the wrist favors soft tissue reconstructions. Also, the relative intercarpal motion with a more flexible carpus may prevent abnormal load patterns that are associated with a rigid radial column and limited fusions. We have reconstructed flexible subacute (>3 weeks) and chronic (>2 months) scapholunate dissociations with a radial-based dorsal intercarpal ligament. Clinical results have demonstrated increased grip strength, decreased pain, and improved intercarpal alignment.