The role of MDCT arthrography in the follow-up of scapholunate stabilisation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes in a group of patients with scapholunate dissociation treated with stabilisation surgery (Brunelli-Stanley) and to compare arthrography with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with conventional radiography, the gold standard in the follow-up of wrist surgery. Twelve patients (13 wrists) underwent surgery for scapholunate dissociation and were followed up with clinical (visual analogue scale, Mayo Wrist Score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and radiological assessment (conventional radiography and CT arthrography). Conventional radiography was assessed for: the scapholunate gap, scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, capitate-lunate angle, and carpal height index; the CT arthrography images were also evaluated for: the distance between the dorsal exit hole of the bone tunnel and the proximal scaphoid pole, the thickness and tension of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) strip, and any signs of joint degeneration. Analysis of the data from conventional radiography and MDCT arthrography demonstrated a significant statistical correlation among the measurements obtained on the radiograms and multiplanar CT reconstructions and the patients' clinical outcome. Our results show that MDCT arthrography has the same value as conventional radiography in the evaluation of standard parameters (scapholunate gap, scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, capitolunate angle, carpal height index), but in addition provides an accurate delineation of the FCR tendon graft, allowing differentiation of its thickness, direction and degree of tension.