Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Injury Research Articles

Alterations in forearm muscle activation patterns after scapholunate interosseous ligament injury: A dynamic electromyography study

Study DesignCase control. Purpose of the StudyThis study aimed to investigate the alterations seen in the activation patterns of the forearm muscles and to demonstrate the associated functional outcomes, in patients with scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury. MethodsThe study involved 15 patients with SLIL injury (instability group) and 11 healthy participants (control group). Both groups were evaluated with regard to their pain, grip strength, and upper extremity functional level (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand and patient-rated wrist evaluation questionnaires), and they also underwent a dynamic electromyography analysis of their forearm muscle activity. The activation patterns of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), flexor carpi ulnaris, and flexor carpi radialis muscles during wrist extension and flexion were recorded by means of surface electromyography. ResultsIn the instability group, the pain severity was higher and the functional level was worse than in the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, during wrist extension, the ECR activity was lower and the ECU activity was higher in the instability group than in the control group (P < .05). ConclusionDynamic stabilization of the wrist, flexor carpi ulnaris, and flexor carpi radialis muscles have been shown to play an active role with ECU and ECR. Increased ECU and decreased ECR activation may pose a potential risk in terms of enhancing the scapholunate gap. We, therefore, propose that appropriate preventive neuromuscular exercise strategies implemented as part of a physiotherapy program for patients with SLIL lesions might increase the contribution of the dynamic stability effect of the relevant muscles.

Scapholunate Dissociation: Current Concepts of the Treatments

Scapholunate dissociation is the most common cause of the wrist pain and instability and typically results from scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury. It is difficult for surgeons to diagnose the SLIL injury due to its complex anatomy and biomechanics. The natural history of the SLIL injury is still not fully understood as most of the SLIL injuries are not detected in their acute stage. Careful physical examination and radiologic evaluation are essential aspects of SLIL injury diagnosis. We should consider five conditions to evaluate SLIL injuries: the integrity of the dorsal SLIL, the healing potential of the disrupted ligament, the alignment of the scaphoid, the reducibility of the carpal malalignment, and the cartilage condition. In this review, the stages classified based on these conditions and the current treatments according to each stage will be described in detail.

MDCT arthrography assessment of the severity of cartilage damage and scapholunate dissociation in regard to specific-component tears of the scapholunate interosseous ligament

PurposeTo evaluate the distribution and severity of cartilage damage and scapholunate dissociation assessed on multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT) arthrography in a sample of patients with scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury, in regard to component-specific tears. MethodsWe retrospectively included 37 patients with SLIL tears and 34 patients without SLIL tears who served as controls, all patients had undergone MDCT arthrography. Morphology of SLIL dorsal and volar components was graded as: normal, partial, or complete tear. Cartilage damage was assessed in 14 distinct regions of the wrist using a semiquantitative modified scoring system. Staging of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) for each patient was based on the distribution of cartilage damage seen on MDCT arthrography. Scapholunate dissociation was measured for each patient at the tenth of a millimeter. The Student's t-test (p) and the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test (P) were used to compare the different groups. ResultsThe cartilage damage scores obtained were greater in patients with complete SLIL dorsal component tear than in other patients (p = 0.0019 and P = 0.0018). Scapholunate dissociation was greater in these patients (p = 0.0003 and P = 0.0013). Scapholunate dissociation was also greater in patients with SLAC wrist (p = 0.0004 and P = 0.0012), with a cut-off value of 3.7 mm for diagnosing SLAC (sensitivity 83.3 % and specificity 89.5 %). ConclusionMDCT arthrography assessment shows that the severity of cartilage damage and scapholunate dissociation is greater when the dorsal component of the SLIL is completely ruptured.

Long-Term Outcomes for Arthroscopic Thermal Treatment for Scapholunate Ligament Injuries.

Background Arthroscopic electrothermal treatment of low-grade Geissler's scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) tears has shown clinical benefit at short-term follow-up. Questions/Purpose This study aims to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes in patients undergoing this treatment. Patients and Methods A retrospective review of all patients treated between 2005 and 2013 was performed. Patients were excluded with less than 5 years of follow-up, the presence of static SLIL injuries, prior wrist surgery, and concomitant denervation. Symptom resolution, return to activity, postoperative complications, range of motion, grip strength, and subsequent treatment were recorded. Each patient completed Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), Modified Mayo Wrist (MMW), and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires. Results Nine patients underwent treatment for Geissler's grade I, II, and III SLIL injuries with a mean 7 years (range: 5-11 years) of follow-up. Mean grip strength was 99% of the nonsurgical extremity. Wrist motion was near symmetric with a mean of 76 (±14), 74 (±8), 21 (±13), and 40 degrees (±13) for wrist flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. QuickDASH improved significantly by a mean 39 points (50 (preoperative)-11 [postoperative], p = 0.009). Postoperative MMW and PRWE scores were 83 and 14, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was 1.4. A total of 90% was returned to their preinjury level of function or higher. Conclusions Arthroscopic electrothermal treatment of low-grade Geissler's SLIL tears demonstrates excellent objective and subjective outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up, providing evidence that this is an effective, safe, and, most importantly, durable-therapeutic modality. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.

Surgical outcomes of chronic isolated scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries: a systematic review of 805 wrists

Management of chronic isolated scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injuries has generated a substantial volume of low-quality literature with descriptions of multiple new surgical techniques, and the impact of instability pattern and the optimal surgical technique remain unclear. The primary goal of this review was to compare clinical, radiographic and patient-rated outcomes between current surgical techniques. We performed a systematic literature search using multiple databases. We analyzed clinical, radiographic and patient-reported outcomes. We used a fixed-effects model weighted by sample size with combined outcomes estimated via least squares means with 95% confidence intervals. We also performed a subgroup analysis of static versus dynamic instability. We assessed 805 procedures from 37 study groups, with 429 procedures used in subgroup analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between surgical techniques or in subgroup analysis. Overall, postoperative wrist flexion and pain scores decreased, and grip strength and patient-rated outcomes improved. Compared to overall preoperative values, modest improvements in pain score, grip strength and functional outcome scores were obtained from a range of reconstructive procedures performed for chronic isolated SLIL injuries. No significant differences could be ascertained between surgical techniques, potentially owing to the low quality of evidence and procedure heterogeneity. This study provides accurate preoperative reference values for future studies, highlights the controversial clinical impact of instability classification, and the need for higher-quality multicentre or collaborative trials to improve our understanding and management of this common injury.

Dart thrower's motion and the injured scapholunate interosseous ligament: A scoping review of studies examining motion, orthoses, and rehabilitation

Study DesignScoping review. IntroductionDart thrower's motion (DTM) of the wrist primarily arises from the midcarpal joint, and minimizes stress to the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL). After SLIL injury or surgery, early controlled DTM may reduce the effects of prolonged immobilization, while protecting SLIL integrity. Purpose of the StudyTo summarize the literature on the effects of DTM on the injured and surgically repaired SLIL and the extent to which various DTM orthotic designs promote SLIL recovery. MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted within 6 databases for articles published between 2003 and March 2018. Eligible studies examined DTM in the context of SLIL injury or repair. Relevant data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. ResultsOf 425 identified articles, 15 were eligible for inclusion. Five biomechanical studies examined the influence of DTM on the injured SLIL, whereas 5 articles described DTM orthotic designs. Also included were five articles that reported outcomes when DTM was used in the rehabilitation protocol. DiscussionThe included studies suggest limiting end ranges of DTM in the injured/repaired SLIL, while blocking orthogonal plane movements. Custom orthotic designs may accomplish this goal. DTM has been used in comprehensive therapy programs in small case studies reporting short-term and intermediate clinical outcomes. ConclusionsCaution should be exercised with using DTM on the torn SLIL as gap increases, particularly at the end-range motion. Orthosis designs have potential to limit this motion to midrange, while allowing early movement. Further high-level research is needed to understand the influence of DTM on injured and postsurgical populations.

Factors Associated with the Quality of Online Information about Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Insufficiency

Background The Internet is increasingly used by patients to seek health information about their medical conditions. The online information is of variable quality, often difficult to read, and sometimes inaccurate or misleading. This study assessed factors associated with the quality, readability, and dominant tones of online information about scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) insufficiency.Materials and Methods Using the three most used search engines, we entered the terms “wrist sprain,” “scapholunate ligament injury,” and “SL dissociation” and assessed the quality of the 45 Web sites identified using the DISCERN tool, readability by the Flesch Reading Ease Score, the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning Fog Index, and the Simple Measure Of Gobbledygook, and dominant tones using the IBM Watson Tone Analyzer and the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count.Results Online information about SLIL injuries had a mean DISCERN score of 39 ± 8.2. A dominant Web site tone of “sadness” correlated with lower DISCERN scores. A dominant tentative tone in text was associated with easier to comprehend texts.Conclusion The online information regarding SLIL insufficiency is of generally low quality, limited readability, and the underlying tones may be misleading. Professional societies might consider efforts to provide appealing, readable, information about SLIL insufficiency and other less common diagnoses on the Internet.

The Quantitative Anatomy of the Dorsal Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament.

The anatomy of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) has been described qualitatively in great detail, with recognition of the dorsal component's importance for carpal stability. The purpose of this study was to define the quantitative anatomy of the dorsal SLIL and to assess the use of high-frequency ultrasound to image the dorsal SLIL. We used high-frequency ultrasound imaging to evaluate 40 wrists in 20 volunteers and recorded the radial-ulnar (length) and dorsal-volar (thickness) dimensions of the dorsal SLIL and the dimensions of the scapholunate interval. We assessed the use of high-frequency ultrasound by comparing the length and thickness of the dorsal SLIL on ultrasound evaluation and open dissection of 12 cadaveric wrists. Student's t test was used to assess the relationship between measurements obtained on cadaver ultrasound and open dissection. In the volunteer wrists, the mean dorsal SLIL length was 7.5 ± 1.4 mm and thickness was 1.8 ± 0.4 mm; the mean scapholunate interval was 5.0 mm dorsally and 2.5 mm centrally. In the cadaver wrists, there was no difference in dorsal SLIL length or thickness between ultrasound and open dissection. The dorsal SLIL is approximately 7.5 mm long and 1.8 mm thick. These parameters may be useful in treatment of SLIL injuries to restore the native anatomy. High-frequency ultrasound is a useful imaging technique to assess the dorsal SLIL, although further study is needed to assess the use of high-frequency ultrasound in detection of SLIL pathology.

Carpal Pronation and Supination Changes in the Unstable Wrist.

Background Little is known about changes in scaphoid and lunate supination and pronation following scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury. Information on these changes may help explain why some SLIL reconstructions have failed and help in the development of new techniques. Purpose To determine if following simulated SLIL injury there was an increase in scaphoid pronation and lunate supination and to determine if concurrently there was an increase in the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) force. Materials and Methods Scaphoid and lunate motion were measured before and after sectioning of the SLIL and two volar ligaments in 22 cadaver wrists, and before and after sectioning of the SLIL and two dorsal ligaments in 15 additional wrists. Each wrist was dynamically moved through wrist flexion/extension, radioulnar deviation, and a dart-throwing motion. Changes in the ECU force were recorded during each wrist motion. Results Scaphoid pronation and lunate supination significantly increased following ligamentous sectioning during each motion. There were significant differences in the amount of change in lunate motion, but not in scaphoid motion, between the two groups of sectioned ligaments. Greater percentage ECU force was required following ligamentous sectioning to achieve the same wrist motions. Conclusion Carpal supination/pronation changed with simulated damage to the scapholunate stabilizers. This may be associated with the required increases in the ECU force. Clinical Relevance In reconstructing the SLIL, one should be aware of the possible need to correct scaphoid pronation and lunate supination that occur following injury. This may be more of a concern when the dorsal stabilizers are injured.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament dysfunction as a source of elbow pain syndromes: Possible mechanisms and implications for hand surgeons and therapists

Elbow pain syndromes are common upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, and they are usually associated with repetitive occupational exposure. Ligaments are often one of the sources of musculoskeletal disorders because of their mechanical and neurological properties. The wrist ligaments are some of the ligaments most vulnerable to occupational exposure. Since most occupational tasks require wrist extension for handling tools and loading, the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) bears greater strain during loading, which results in creep deformation and hysteresis. Ligamentous creep may result in diminished ability to detect signal changes during joint movements, which impairs neuromuscular control established by ligamentomuscular reflex arcs elicited from mechanoreceptors in the ligaments. Changes in muscle activation patterns of forearm muscles due to diminished ligamentomuscular reflexes may initiate a positive feedback loop, leading to musculoskeletal pain syndromes. The relationship between elbow pain syndromes and SLIL injury will be presented through two hypotheses and relevant pain mechanisms: 1. Repetitive tasks may cause creep deformation of the SLIL, which then impairs ligamentomuscular reflexes, leading to elbow pain disorders. 2. Lateral epicondylalgia may increase the risk of SLIL injury through the compensation of the lower extensor carpi radialis muscle activity by higher extensor carpi ulnaris muscle activity, which may alter carpal kinematics, leading to SLIL degeneration over time. The differential diagnosis is usually complicated in musculoskeletal pain disorders. The failure of treatment methods is one of the issues of concern for many researchers. A key element in developing treatment strategies is to understand the source of the disorder and the nature of the injury. We proposed that the differential diagnosis include SLIL injuries when describing elbow pain syndromes, particularly, lateral epicondylalgia.

Effect of Push-Up Position on Wrist Joint Pressures in the Intact Wrist and Following Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Sectioning.

To determine the contact pressures between the scaphoid and lunate and the distal radius during 2 wrist push-up positions before and following scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) sectioning. Eight fresh cadaveric wrists were tested in a neutral flexion-extension (knuckle) push-up position and in an extended push-up position. Pressure measurements were acquired as each wrist was loaded with the wrist in extension and with the wrist in a neutral position. Data were acquired with the SLIL intact and following sectioning of its dorsal, volar, and proximal components. The wrist was disarticulated and a map drawn on each sensor to identify each joint fossa. A push-up performed with the wrist in extension caused a significantly greater peak pressure in the radioscaphoid fossa but not in the radiolunate fossa. Moving the wrist into extension caused a significant dorsal movement of the pressure centroid an average of 2.9 mm in the radiolunate fossa and an average of 5.7 mm in the radioscaphoid fossa. Sectioning the SLIL caused the centroid of pressure in the radioscaphoid fossa to significantly move an average 1.4 mm radially. A push-up with the wrist in extension causes a significant increase in the pressure in the radioscaphoid fossa but not in the radiolunate. This finding may help explain why degenerative arthritis first develops in the radioscaphoid fossa before involving the radiolunate fossa. As expected, gapping that occurs with SLIL injury was observed here as a radial translation of the scaphoid and not as a movement of the lunate. The new location of scaphoid contact may be an additional reason for the development of radioscaphoid arthritis occurring before radiolunate arthritis. This study provides a possible explanation as to why degenerative arthritis may first occur in the radioscaphoid fossa.

Biomechanics of an Articulated Screw in Acute Scapholunate Ligament Disruption.

Background An injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) leads to instability in the scapholunate joint. Temporary fixation is used to protect the ligament during reconstruction or healing of the repair. Rigid screw fixation-by blocking relative physiological motion between the scaphoid and lunate-can lead to screw loosening, pullout, and fracture. Purpose This study aims to evaluate changes in scaphoid and lunate kinematics following SLIL injury and the effectiveness of an articulating screw at restoring preinjury motion. Materials and Methods The kinematics of the scaphoid and lunate were measured in 10 cadaver wrists through three motions driven by a motion simulator. The specimens were tested intact, immediately following SLIL injury, after subsequent cycling, and after fixation with a screw. Results Significant changes in scaphoid and lunate motion occurred following SLIL injury. Postinjury cycling increased motion changes in flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation. The motion was not significantly different from the intact scapholunate joint after placement of the articulating screw. Conclusion In agreement with other studies, sectioning of the SLIL led to significant kinematic changes of the scaphoid and lunate in all motions tested. Compared with intact scapholunate joint, no significant difference in kinematics was found after placement of the screw indicating a correction of some of the changes produced by SLIL transection. These findings suggest that the articulating screw may be effective for protecting a SLIL repair while allowing the physiological rotation to occur between the scaphoid and lunate. Clinical Relevance A less rigid construct, such as the articulating screw, may allow earlier wrist rehabilitation with less screw pullout or failure.

Association of lunate morphology, sex, and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament injury with radiologic measurement of the capitate-triquetrum joint.

Radiologic presentation of carpal instability at the radial side of the carpus, e.g. scapholunate diastasis following scapholunate interosseous ligament injury, has been studied extensively. By comparison, presentation at the ulnar-sided carpus has not. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lunate morphology, sex, and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) status on the radiologic measurement of the capitate-triquetrum joint (C-T distance). Further, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of C-T distance for assessing LTIL injuries. We retrospectively identified 223 wrists with wrist radiographs and MR arthrograms with contrast injection. Data collected included sex, lunate morphology and LTIL status from MR arthrography, and C-T distance from radiography. The effects of lunate morphology, sex, and LTIL injury status on C-T distance were evaluated using generalized linear models. Diagnostic performance of C-T distance was assessed by the area under receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC). Lunate morphology, sex, and LTIL injury status all had significant effects on C-T distance; wrists with type II lunates, men, and wrists with LTIL injuries had greater C-T distances than wrists with type I lunates, women, and wrists without LTIL injuries, respectively (p<0.01). The diagnostic value of the C-T distance for identifying patients with full-thickness LTIL tears was sufficient for women with type I (AUROC=0.67) and type II lunates (0.60) and good for men with type I (0.72) and type II lunates (0.77). The demonstrated influence of LTIL status on C-T distance supports the use of C-T distance as a tool in assessing for full-thickness LTIL tears.

Restricting Scaphoid and Lunate Motion With a Dart Throwers’ Orthosis

Objective/Hypothesis: The dart throwers’ motion and its influence on restricting movement at the scapholunate joint have been well discussed over the past 12 years. Its potential for use in rehabilitation of persons with scapholunate interosseous ligament tears has been encouraged; however, evidence of its value to conservative management of this injury remains limited. There is also limited evidence that dart throwers’ orthoses (DTO) actually restrict movement to the plane they are designed to restrict it to. The authors will report on the ability of 1 particular type of DTO to control motion to the dart throwers’ plane and then will discuss the results of the integration of this same DTO into a neuromuscular rehabilitative program for conservative management of scapholunate injury. Materials and Methods: We present an orthosis that restricts motion to the dart throwers’ motion plane and discuss its role as part of a hand therapy program. A video fluoroscopy study was completed to assess the orthosis’s restrictive influence on scapholunate motion within the dart throwers’ plane of radial extension to ulnar flexion. The fluoroscopy was completed on a patient with a deficient scapholunate ligament in one wrist, and an intact scapholunate ligament in the other. The orthosis had previously been fitted to a series of 5 patients over a period of 6 years. All patients had a demonstrated scapholunate interosseous ligament injury. Follow-up was from 7 months to 5 years with a median value of 4 years. After a prescribed period of DTO use, the patients began a neuromuscular rehabilitation program designed to enhance the proprioceptive capacities of the joint and to reinforce the role of secondary stabilizers in the wrist. Results: Video fluoroscopy testing indicated that the DTO used was able to restrict scapholunate motion in both scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) intact and deficient wrists as it moved through the dart throwers’ plane. All patients returned to their preinjury level of activity and all reported improved functional hand use in subjective testing following intervention. Visual analogue pain scores were reduced from a mean of 6.5 pre treatment to 0 at the end of treatment. Grip strength and range of motion had returned to be within normal limits in all patients post treatment. Conclusions: The use of video fluoroscopy with an innovative orthosis demonstrated the ability of the orthosis to restrict scapholunate motion following damage to the scapholunate interosseous ligament. Promising results that followed the use of this DTO in combination with a neuromuscular re-education program indicate potential for these guidelines in the conservative management of this injury.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament injury in professional volleyball players

Injuries to the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) are the most common cause of carpal instability. A SLIL injury typically follows a fall on an outstretched hand, with the wrist in hyperextension, ulnar deviation and intercarpal supination. We hypothesize that repetitive axial loading on the wrist in hyperextension, during the reception and digging motions of volleyball, can lead to functional overloading of the SLIL.To identify patients and to determine the clinical history and surgical treatment performed, we analyzed hospital records, X-rays, electronic databases containing all the operations performed, and image files (including before and after surgery and follow-up).We identified three SLIL injury cases in national volleyball team players, also at the libero position, who were treated at our clinic between 2007 and 2013 for scapholunate instability. Open reduction and Berger capsulodesis was performed in all cases. At a mean follow-up of 3 years (range, 22–50 months), the mean pain level on VAS was 0.3 (range, 0–1) at rest and 1.7 (range 1–2) during sport activities. The mean DASH score was 4 (range 2–5). The mean wrist flexion was 60° (range 55–70°) and extension was 80° (range 75–85°).Given the greater susceptibility of these players for developing a SLIL injury, a high index of suspicion is needed when managing athletes presenting with wrist pain or instability.

Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Tears: Diagnostic Performance of 1.5 T, 3 T MRI, and MR Arthrography—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), in the detection of scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury.A literature search was performed (until July 2015) using the PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and conference proceedings. Original studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of MRI or MRA in the detection of SLIL injuries using arthroscopy or open surgery as the reference standard were included.Of the initial 930 published records and 103 conference proceedings, 24 studies (1902 MRI examinations) were included (median SLIL injury prevalence: 33% [interquartile range: 25-42]). Heterogeneity was detected for 1.5 T MRI (chi-square: 47.93, P < 0.001) but not for 3.0 T MRI (chi-square: 8.00, P value: 0.09) and MRA (chi-square: 14.54, P value: 0.34) studies. The sensitivities of 1.5 T MRI, 3.0 T MRI, and MRA for detection of SLIL injury were 45.7% (95% confidence interval: 40.1-51.4), 75.7% (66.8-83.2), and 82.1% (76.1-87.2), respectively. The specificities of 1.5 T MRI, 3.0 T MRI, and MRA for detection of SLIL injury were 80.5% (77.3-83.4), 97.1% (89.8-99.6), and 92.8% (90.2-94.9), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratios of 1.5 T MRI, 3.0 T MRI, and MRA for detection of SLIL injury were 5.56 (2.71-11.39), 23.23 (3.16-171.00), and 65.04 (32.89-128.62) (P value < 0.001), respectively. The results were consistent after addressing publication bias and sensitivity analyses.MRA is superior to 3.0 T MRI, and 3.0 T MRI is superior to 1.5 T MRI in terms of diagnostic performance. 3.0 T MRI has the highest specificity for the detection of SLIL injuries.

A New Technique for Volar Capsulodesis for Isolated Palmar Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Injuries: A Cadaveric Study and Case Report.

Introduction Most surgical techniques for scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) repair address only the dorsal component of the ligament, potentially leading to high surgical failure rates. We introduce a new technique to reconstruct the volar SLIL using a portion of the long radiolunate ligament (LRL). A biomechanical evaluation was performed to evaluate the rupture strength of this repair, and a subsequent anatomic study was performed to verify that this repair would not compromise the blood supply to either the scaphoid or the lunate. Methods A reconstruction of the volar SLIL was developed utilizing a lunate-based strip of the LRL. Fourteen cadaver arms were injected with red-colored epoxide and latex. The blood supply of the volar wrist capsule was dissected. The vascular supply to the ligaments, scaphoid, and lunate were investigated. The biomechanical strength of this reconstruction was tested on five cadaver arms by potting the scaphoid, lunate, and radius and subjecting the repair to a tensile load using a servohydraulic vertical displacement testing machine. Results In all arms, a branch of the radial artery or radiocarpal arch supplied the radioscapholunate ligament at the medial border of the LRL. The proximal half of the scaphoid was supplied by dorsal branches of the radial artery. In all cases, a vessel entered the lunate on its ulnar volar side, away from the repair. The average strength of the intact LRL strip was 97.4 N, and the average strength of the ligament-suture interface used for the capsulodesis was 43.5 N. Conclusion This volar approach to the SLIL does not compromise the vascularity of the scaphoid or the lunate. This approach allows the possibility of repairing or augmenting the volar SLIL. The strength of this repair appears to be less than the strength of the native SLIL. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Plate presetting and arthroscopic reduction technique (PART) for treatment of distal radius fractures.

Arthroscopy has been reported to be an efficient adjunct for the surgical treatment for distal radius fractures (DRF). However, performing wrist arthroscopy during palmar locking plate fixation seems to be troublesome. We have developed a surgical technique involving presetting of a palmar locking plate and an arthroscopic reduction technique (PART) of the fracture that can facilitate the procedure. This study is aimed to investigate the effectiveness of our technique in the treatment of DRF. 249 fractures of the distal radius were treated by PART. 205 fractures in 200 patients were followed-up on average for 15 (12-60) months. There were 46 men and 154 women with an average age of 62 (16-85) years. According to the AO/ASIF fracture classification system there were 51 extra-articular fractures, and 154 intra-articular fractures. Scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries were classified according to Geissler and tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex according to Abe. On arthroscopic inspection, residual intra-articular fragment dislocation after reduction under fluoroscopy was evaluated. Final evaluation included a radiological examination, measurements of wrist and forearm motion, grip strength, the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. On arthroscopic inspection, intraarticular dislocations were found to be residual in 22.7%, even if reduction seemed to have been achieved when viewed by fluoroscopy. Scapholunate interosseous ligament tears were recognized in 29.8%, and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears in 62.4%. The mean palmar tilt was 5.7 (-10 to 16)°, radial inclination 26.0 (18-31)°, and ulnar variance 0.1 (-2 to 5) mm. The mean extension of the wrist was 71 (50-85)°, and the mean flexion was 62 (40-79)°. The mean pronation of the forearm was 87.5 (70-90)°, and the mean supination was 89.1 (75-95)°. The mean grip strength was 90.0% (31-133%) of the opposite side. According to the MMWS there were 156 excellent, 47 good, and 2 fair results. The mean DASH score was 3.9. The palmar locking plate in combination with arthroscopic reduction technique (PART) leads to good and excellent results. It can be recommended for all fractures of the distal radius needing operative treatment. Arthroscopic reduction of intra-articular fragments is superior to reduction under fluoroscopy. PART allows also the detection of intra-articular soft tissue lesions such as scapholunate ligament tears and injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Injuries: A Retrospective Review of Treatment and Outcomes in 82 Wrists

To compare outcomes of treatment for scapholunate instability between acute (< 6 wk from injury) and chronic (> 6 wk) injuries, between complete and partial tears, and among surgical techniques; identify risk factors for surgical failure; and compare ligament reconstruction with repair with or without capsulodesis in the chronic period. We performed a retrospective chart review of 82 primary scapholunate interosseous ligament surgeries, with median follow-up of 150 days. A total of 27 patients underwent surgery in the acute period and 50 in the chronic period. (In 5 patients we were unable to determine acuity or chronicity of injury.) In the chronic period, 16 patients underwent repair with or without capsulodesis, 27 underwent ligament reconstruction, and 7 underwent other procedures. Surgical intervention in the acute setting involved more complex injuries, most commonly used direct repair, and produced a significantly lower failure rate than chronic intervention. In the chronic setting, the most common technique was ligament reconstruction, which produced superior radiographic outcomes compared with repair with or without capsulodesis. Isolated scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries undergoing chronic surgical intervention composed the majority of failures. Workers' compensation status and chronic intervention were significant risk factors for failure. For chronic injuries, ligament reconstruction produced better radiographic outcomes than repair with or without capsulodesis. Acute intervention (within 6 wk) was preferable to chronic intervention for scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries, and a substantial number of isolated injuries failed to receive treatment in the acute period. Therapeutic III.

Analysis of soft tissue injuries associated with distal radius fractures

BackgroundSoft tissue injuries associated with distal radius fractures have been reported by some authors. Arthroscopy can be used to evaluate the condition of the articular surface and intracarpal soft tissues and as an aid to treatment. There are three intracarpal soft tissues of particular importance: the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL), and the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate intracarpal soft tissue injuries and their relationships with fracture types during arthroscopic surgical treatment of distal radius fractures.MethodsEighty-nine patients in our hospital underwent surgical treatment by arthroscopy for a fracture of the distal end of the radius. They ranged in age from 17 to 92 years (mean, 62.2 years), and comprised 20 men (mean age, 45.6 years) and 69 women (mean age, 66.5 years). The AO classification data on plain radiographs indicated A2 fracture in four patients, A3 fracture in 10 patients, C1 fracture in two patients, C2 fracture in 24 patients, and C3 fracture in 49 patients. Wrist arthroscopy was performed with vertical traction, and intracarpal soft tissues were examined. For assessment of the TFCC in the radiocarpal space, the Palmar classification was used. For assessment of the SLIL and LTIL in the midcarpal space, the Geissler classification was used.ResultsTFCC injury was present in 59% of cases, SLIL injury in 54.5% of cases, and LTIL injury in 34.5% of cases. Only 17.1% of patients (14/82 patients) were negative for all three types of injury. In 81% of cases (72/89 patients), some intracarpal soft tissue injury was present in association with the fracture.ConclusionsThe fracture was complicated by TFCC injury in 59% of patients, SLIL injury in 54.5% of patients, and LTIL injury in 34.5% of patients, irrespective of the fracture type.