Open Reduction and Transosseous Plasty of the Dorsal Scapholunate Ligament in a Patient with Mayfield type IV Chronic Lunate Dislocation, Case Report, Literature Review and Description of Surgical Technique

Abstract

Introduction Perilunate dislocations represent 3% of carpal injuries. They begin in a radial direction, destabilizing the scapholunate interval, and as the injury continues, there is a progressive sequence of instability, altering the anatomy of the carpus, causing significant functional deterioration. The acute diagnosis goes unnoticed, evolving into its chronic form. There are few reports of treatment in its chronic phase with a limited number of patients and follow-up evaluation is often limited. Objective We present a case of late diagnosis of chronic lunate dislocation that was managed surgically and review of the existing literature for diagnosis and treatment, as well as the surgical technique for its resolution. Clinical case 66-year-old male, fall from the plane of support, hyperextension mechanism of the right wrist, 2 months of evolution causing pain, progressive increase in volume, functional limitation. Treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for four weeks without improvement. Radiographically, loss of lunate joint congruity - capitate. Magnetic resonance images of avascular necrosis of the lunate. Diagnosing chronic semilunar dislocation of the right hand. Preoperative Quick-Dash 70.4 pts. A double dorsal and volar approach is performed to release the carpal tunnel, place a transosseous cerclage, and three 1.6 mm Kirschner pins in the scapholunate interval; semilunopyramidal and scaphocapitate. Immobilization with antebrachipalmar splint, removal of Kirschner pins at 7 weeks and referral to physical rehabilitation. 20 postoperative weeks, range of motion with flexion of 35° and extension of 30°, without visible sequelae to mobilization, and with Quick-Dash 20.4. Conclusion Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent the potential risk of avascular necrosis of the lunate and scaphoid, and secondary osteoarthritis. Reconstruction of the chronic pathology of lunate dislocation and scapholunate ligament (SL) remains a major challenge. There are unresolved issues regarding when to perform reconstruction rather than repair and therefore treatment remains controversial.