Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Research Articles

Treatment of Chronic Scapholunate Dissociation with FCR Tenodesis: A Systematic Review of the Results of MBT and 3LT Technique

AbstractA systematic literature review was performed to assess the results of modified Brunelli tenodesis modified Brunelli technique (MBT) and three-ligament tenodesis (3LT) in the treatment of chronic scapholunate (SL) ligament injuries reported between 1998 and 2001. This review describes the surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, radiological evaluations, and complication rates among 600 patients. Following adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 15 studies were included (289 MBT and 311 3LT procedures). A heterogeneity in surgical technique was noted. An average pain reduction of 3 points on the visual analog score and a flexion–extension arch compatible with most daily activities were found. Radiographic follow-up showed medium-term improvements, but loss of reduction was observed in the long term. Secondary degeneration was seen in 15% of cases. Radiographic decay did not correlate with clinical outcomes. The overall complication rate was 9%. This review underscores the satisfactory clinical outcome of both procedures. Nonetheless, both interventions pose risks of complications and/or degeneration in the long term.

Anatomic C Scapholunate Reconstruction Technique: For Complete Dissociation of the Scapholunate Interval

This surgical technique article describes the anatomic C scapholunate reconstruction technique. It is indicated for complete acute or chronic scapholunate ligament dissociation. The technique addresses severe scapholunate interval gapping, ulnar translocation of the lunate, and rotational/dorsal intercalated segment instability. The C-shaped ligament is cradled from dorsal to volar using a symmetric four anchor/synthetic tape construct through a single dorsal incision and hyperflexion of the wrist. It does not require any volar incision/approach, as previously described techniques, and also avoids vascular disruption of the scaphoid ridge. An athlete patient case with illustration is also presented, who was treated with anatomic C scapholunate reconstruction on one wrist and all-dorsal scapholunate reconstruction on the other wrist. The two wrists are compared, and postoperative management with technique pearls and pitfalls are described.

Retinaculum Grafts in Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Several surgical techniques for the treatment of the irreparable chronic scapholunate (SL) ligament disruption, without arthritis, have been described using tendon grafts. An alternative technique is the use of retinaculum grafts. A systematic review of the biomechanical and histological properties of the bone–retinaculum–bone (BRB) graft and the clinical results of its use in SL ligament reconstruction was performed. Materials and Methods After abstract screening of 353 articles, a total of eight studies (five laboratory and three clinical) were included. Results Five cadaveric studies showed a lower load to failure and lower stiffness of the BRB compared with the scapholunate interosseous ligament. In patients with dynamic SL instability, treatment with BRB graft resulted in pain relief and an improvement in grip strength but with a reduced range of motion. Radiologically, no SL widening was found 18 months after surgery but with a slight increase after 12 years. The three clinical studies in this review have a level of evidence of 4. There were no studies on graft incorporation and remodeling. Conclusion There is insufficient clinical, histological, and biomechanical data available on the use of BRB grafts for SL ligament reconstruction.

Combined repair of scapholunate ligament (SL) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in chronic trauma of the wrist: surgical treatment of 14 patients.

Injuries of the scapholunate ligament (SL) and of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) represent the main ligament injuries of the traumatic wrist. A double injury of the SL and TFCC ligaments is quite common in the trauma setting, and clinical examination is fundamental. MRI allows to detection of a TFCC and SL ligament injury, but wrist arthroscopy is still the gold standard for diagnosis. We present the clinical results of the combined reconstruction of chronic scapholunate ligament and TFCC injury. Fourteen patients were treated at our hospital with a combined scapholunate ligament and TFCC complex repair. All patients were surgically treated by the same senior author, after a diagnostic arthroscopy that revealed a lesion of both structures. A comparison between the pre-operative and post-operative pain and function was carried out using VAS, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and Patient-Related Wrist/Hand Evaluation score (PRWHE). Wrist range of motion and strength were also compared following surgery. All patients had a mean follow-up of 54months. A statistically significant improvement was observed both with the reduction in pain (VAS from 8.9 to 5) and with the improvement of functionality scores (DASH from 63 to 40 and PRWHE from 70 to 57) and with the increase in ROM and strength. In only one patient (7%), because of pain and instability, a supplement operation was needed (Sauve-Kapandji procedure) 3months after the initial surgery. The simultaneous repair of the SL and TFCC complex has shown a good success rate in both decreasing pain and regaining functionality.

Review of surgical treatment for chronic scapholunate ligament reconstruction: a long-term study.

Scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is a common entity encountered by hand surgeons. While multiple methods for surgical treatment exist, there is little agreement on the best surgical techniques to treat chronic, static SLD. Our study's goal was to assess the long-term (greater than five years), clinical and radiologic outcomes of the currently recommended treatment options for chronic, static SLD. We performed a review of the literature to assess outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic, static SLD with long-term follow-up of greater than five years. We found only six studies that encompassed the modified Brunelli tenodesis, capsulodesis, scapholunate arthrodesis, and bone-ligament-bone graft using the modified Cuenod procedure. All were level of evidence IV. Many patients went back to some form of work. Tenodesis showed less development of arthritis and greater improvement in scapholunate gap, while capsulodesis showed greater postoperative flexion and extension. Of note, study size varied with 67 combined patients in the capsulodesis studies and 30 patients in the tenodesis studies. There was no clear superiority of one procedure over the others. More long-term data are needed to identify the best surgical treatment of chronic, static SLD.

Outcomes after Bone-Ligament-Bone Intercarpal Ligament Reconstruction.

Numerous surgical reconstructive techniques have been described for chronic scapholunate and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament instability. The authors retrospectively reviewed 16 consecutive patients who underwent bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for scapholunate or lunotriquetral intraosseous ligament predynamic and dynamic instability at a single tertiary care institution from 2013 to 2019. Clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications, were recorded. Eleven patients had bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for scapholunate ligament injuries and five for lunotriquetral instability. Fourteen patients (87.5 percent) underwent diagnostic arthroscopy before bone-ligament-bone reconstruction, with nine of 14 having grade 3 and four of 14 having grade 4 injury. Capitohamate bone-ligament-bone grafts were used in nine patients (56 percent) and the graft was taken from Lister tubercle in seven (44 percent). The average age at surgery was 37 years. The average follow-up was 60.6 weeks. There were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters. Median postoperative wrist flexion was 45 degrees, and mean postoperative wrist extension was 53 degrees, which were significantly less than contralateral flexion (85 degrees; p < 0.0001) and extension (78 degrees; p < 0.0001). Thirty-eight percent of patients complained of persistent pain at final follow-up, and two patients (13 percent) underwent salvage procedures, both at approximately 6.5 months after the index reconstruction. Short-term outcomes of bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for early-stage scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries reveal many patients with residual postoperative wrist pain and disability, and almost uniform limitations in flexion-extension motion. Therapeutic, IV.

Finger abduction as a novel function of the extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle

A 25-year-old female presented with a chronic scapho-lunate ligament injury with development of carpal instability requiring reconstruction. During a standard dorsal longitudinal mid-line approach to the carpus, an extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) muscle was found taking its origin from the dorsal wrist capsule overlying the lunate with innervation from the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Electrical stimulation of the muscle belly demonstrated abduction of the middle finger. The EDBM is a rare anatomical variant of the extensor compartment of the wrist and may be encountered during surgical approaches. Where possible these variant muscles should be carefully dissected off underlying structures, preserved and repaired at the conclusion of a procedure to ensure no perceived functional deficit to the patient. We present a case of a previously undescribed EDBM muscle function of pure finger abduction with no extension and a surgical technique of preserving its origin. We propose that the middle finger variant of the EDBM should be re-named the extensor digitorum brevis medius to reflect our findings.

Modified Viegas dorsal capsuloplasty for chronic partial injury of the scapholunate ligament in young athletes: outcomes at 24 months.

The treatment of chronic scapholunate ligament tears in patients with high demand, such as young athletes, is difficult as traditional techniques are associated with some loss of wrist motion and grip strength. This retrospective investigation studied young athletes (≤20 years old) with chronic scapholunate ligament lesions and a minimum follow-up of 24 months, treated with a modified Viegas dorsal capsuloplasty. Twenty-six young athletes (mean age 17 years) were included. A partial scapholunate ligament tear (Geissler III) was seen in 25 patients. At the last follow-up, a significantly different improvement was seen in all measured parameters and all patients could return to their original competitive activity, within 6 months (range 4-12) after surgery.Level of evidence: IV.

Management of chronic scapholunate ligament injury

Scapholunate ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the wrist and requires accurate diagnosis and treatment. It presents with pain, stiffness and can lead to carpal instability as well as degenerative arthritis if left untreated, with subsequent loss of function and disability. There are several management options currently available but there is no consensus on how best to manage a wrist with chronic sequelae of scapholunate ligament injury. This review explores available evidence in the literature on optimal treatment options including non-operative and operative procedures, relevant surgical techniques and their associated outcomes. A summary of the current concepts in the management of Chronic Scapholunate ligament injury is presented.

Satisfactory function 12 years after triscaphoid arthrodesis for chronic scapholunate ligament injury

Scapholunate ligament (SLL) injury represents a hazard to the wrist and the treatment of these injuries has been the focus of much debate. We performed a long-term follow (>10 years) of triscaphoid arthrodesis for symptomatic chronic SLL injuries in 10 (8 men) patients 37 (22–49) years of age. All arthrodesis healed. One patient was converted to total wrist arthrodesis during the follow-up period, and three had minor additional surgeries. At final follow-up, the patients had reduced active range of motion (AROM, 55%) and grip strength (85%) compared to the opposite side, but reported low Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) (11), Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) (25) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (0 and 10 at rest and activity). Radiographs found minimal degenerative changes in four patients, while CT scans demonstrated changes in seven patients, in three of these scaphoid was subluxed on the rim of the radius. The patients working prior to surgery were working at follow-up. A triscaphoid arthrodesis for SLL renders a functional wrist function in most patients for many years and has postponed more extensive surgery like total wrist arthrodesis or wrist arthroplasty. The patients are still young, and the degenerative changes seen especially on CT scans warrants attention.

Evaluation of the performance of three tenodesis techniques for the treatment of scapholunate instability: flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation

Chronic scapholunate ligament (SL) injuries are difficult to treat and can lead to wrist dysfunction. Whilst several tendon reconstruction techniques have been employed in the management of SL instability, SL gap reappearance after surgery has been reported. Using a finite element model and cadaveric study data, we investigated the performance of the Corella, scapholunate axis (SLAM) and modified Brunelli tenodesis (MBT) techniques. Scapholunate dorsal and volar gap and angle were obtained following virtual surgery undertaken using each of the three reconstruction methods with the wrist positioned in flexion, extension, ulnar deviation and radial deviation, in addition to the ulnar-deviated clenched fist and neutral positions. From the study, it was found that, following simulated scapholunate interosseous ligament rupture, the Corella technique was better able to restore the SL gap and angle close to the intact ligament for all wrist positions investigated, followed by SLAM and MBT. The results suggest that for the tendon reconstruction techniques, the use of multiple junction points between scaphoid and lunate may be of benefit.Graphical abstractThe use of multiple junction points between scaphoid and lunate may be of benefit for tendon reconstruction techniques.

Analysis of tenodesis techniques for treatment of scapholunate instability using the finite element method

Chronic scapholunate ligament (SL) injury is a common disorder affecting the wrist. Despite advances in surgical techniques used to treat this injury, SL gap re-emergence may occur postoperatively. This paper presents an investigation into the performance of the Corella, schapolunate axis (SLAM), and modified Brunelli tenodesis (MBT) surgical reconstruction techniques used to treat scapholunate instability. Finite element (FE) models were used to undertake virtual surgery, and the resulting scapholunate (SL) gap and angle obtained using the 3 techniques were compared. The Corella technique was found to achieve the SL gap and angle closest to the intact (ligament) wrist, restoring SL gap and angle to within 5.6% and 0.6%, respectively. The MBT method resulted in an SL gap least close to the intact. The results of our study indicate that the contribution of volar scapholunate interosseous ligament to scapholunate stability could be important.

Acute and chronic scapholunate ligament instability

Injury to the scapholunate junction and ensuing carpal instability is a potentially debilitating condition affecting all ages but particularly occurring in young active individuals. The natural history of scapholunate instability is poorly understood and the link between injury and progression to advanced degeneration of carpal bones is complex. Successful surgical management of acute scapholunate instability relies on an early detection because chronic instability presents its own unique challenges. In this article we will discuss the complex anatomy, biomechanics and pathomechanics of scapholunate instability and review the current concepts of management. We have also proposed a classification system to group the surgical management options of chronic instability.

Equivalent Clinical Outcomes Following Favored Treatments of Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Tear.

Optimal treatment of chronic scapholunate (SL) instability remains controversial. Many surgical techniques have been proposed with varied results in subsequent case series; however, there is limited evidence demonstrating the relative effectiveness of the different treatment options. We conducted a systematic review of the English literature to compare outcomes from capsulodesis and ligament reconstruction for treatment of chronic scapholunate instability. An electronic database search using keywords associated with scapholunate ligament instability was performed. A total of 511 studies were identified. All studies with scapholunate ligament tears >4weeks after the initial injury were included in the review. Data extracted included patient demographics, wrist range of motion, and radiographic outcome measures. A total of 308 patients from 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The average time to surgery from initial injury was 11months. There was no significant difference in wrist flexion or extension after capsulodesis or reconstruction. The weighted mean for postoperative wrist extension/flexion was 56°/45.6° in the capsulodesis group and 40.9°/47.3° in the reconstruction group. Pooled means of SL angle and SL gap were 60.3° and 3.44mm after capsulodesis and 56.5 and 2.72mm after reconstruction, respectively. This systematic review failed to demonstrate any significant difference in outcomes from capsulodesis or reconstruction for treatment of chronic scapholunate instability. However, the retrospective studies examined were notably heterogeneous in design with high estimates of variance. Further prospective trials are necessary to determine an ideal treatment strategy.

ScaphoLunate Axis Method.

Background Treating chronic scapholunate ligament injuries without the presence of arthritis remains an unsolved clinical problem facing wrist surgeons. This article highlights a technique for reconstructing the scapholunate ligament using novel fixation, the ScaphoLunate Axis Method (SLAM). Materials and Methods In a preliminary review of the early experience of this technique, 13 patients were evaluated following scapholunate ligament reconstruction utilizing the SLAM technique. Description of Techinque The scapholunate interval is reconstructed utilizing a palmaris longus autograft passed between the scaphoid and lunate along the axis of rotation in the sagittal plane. It is secured in the lunate using a graft anchor and in the scaphoid utilizing an interference screw. The remaining graft is passed dorsally to reconstruct the dorsal scapholunate ligament. Results At an average follow-up of 11 months, the mean postoperative scapholunate gap was 2.1 mm. The mean postoperative scapholunate angle was 59 degrees. The mean postoperative wrist flexion and extension was 45 and 56 degrees, respectively. The mean grip strength was 24.9 kg, or 62% of the contralateral side. The mean pain score (VAS) was 1.7. There was 1 failure with recurrence of the pathologic scapholunate gap and the onset of pain. Conclusion While chronic scapholunate ligament instability remains an unsolved problem facing wrist surgeons, newer techniques are directed toward restoring the normal relationships of the scaphoid and lunate in both the coronal and sagittal planes. The SLAM technique has demonstrated promise in preliminary clinical studies.

Analysis of the Postoperative Outcomes of the Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Instability Managed by Various Surgical Techniques

Analysis of the Postoperative Outcomes of the Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Instability Managed by Various Surgical Techniques

Analysis of the Postoperative Outcomes of the Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Instability Managed by Various Surgical Techniques

Analysis of the Postoperative Outcomes of the Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Instability Managed by Various Surgical Techniques

Arthroscopic transosseous modified Mathoulin dorsal scapholunate capsulodesis – feasibility study and preliminary series of 10 patients

Objective There is no common trend concerning arthroscopic repair for chronic scapholunate ligament tears, especially when no remnant ligament subsists. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of an arthroscopic transosseous dorsal scapholunate capsulodesis. Material and method Our series consisted of 10 patients presenting scapholunate tears EWAS stage IIIC for 8 patients and EWAS stage IV for 2 patients. Arthroscopic portals (MCU, MCR, 1–2 and 6R) and an 1 cm 3–4 portal with no capsulotomy were used. After arthroscopic debridement of the scapholunate area two 1 mm k-wires were passed through 3–4 portal into scaphoid and lunate. Two tunnels were performed using 2.4 mm canulated drills guided by the k-wires under arthroscopic control. A fiberwire was passed through those 2 tunnels and was knotted tight on the dorsal capsule. At the end of the procedure wrist was casted in light extension for 6 weeks. Rehabilitation started at the end of this period. Results At the latest follow-up (mean 8 months) we noticed significant pain relief, significant qDASH improvement and better grip strength for 8 patients. One developed a regional complex pain syndrome. Radiologically, there were no fractures and no scaphoid or lunate osteonecrosis. Conclusions Despite the weaknesses of our preliminary series with short follow-up and only few patients our results showed a significant clinical improvement. Nevertheless, the results should be confirmed with a bigger comparative series and a longer follow-up especially for the assessment of late osteoarthritis.

Treatment of Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Injury.

Chronic scapholunate (SL) ligament injury has been recognized as one of the most common disorders of the wrist, but also one of the most difficult injury to treat. Strategies for treatment of a chronic SL ligament injury can be grouped into those that involve: (1) correction of the flexed scaphoid; (2) reconstruction of the dorsal SL ligament (bone-ligament [retinaculum]-bone reconstruction); (3) reconstruction of the volar SL ligament; (4) reconstruction of both the dorsal and volar SL ligaments; and (5) interosseous ligament reconstruction. There is no gold standard of treatment, however, for all chronic SL ligament injury patterns.

Scapholunate Temporary Screw Fixation for the Treatment of Chronic Scapholunate Instability: Level 4 Evidence

For chronic scapholunate ligament instabilities, it is not uncommon to see the loss of reduction on radiological images at intermediate to long term follow-up. We propose the use of scapho-lunate temporary screw fixation to provide a more stable mechanical environment for soft tissue healing after primary repair or late reconstruction of the scapholunate ligament.