Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction Research Articles

A Scaphoid Safety Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction. The Non–Bone Tunnel Technique and Clinical Outcomes

A Scaphoid Safety Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction. The Non–Bone Tunnel Technique and Clinical Outcomes

Additively manufactured polyethylene terephthalate scaffolds for scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction

The regeneration of the ruptured scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) represents a clinical challenge. Here, we propose the use of a Bone-Ligament-Bone (BLB) 3D-printed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) scaffold for achieving mechanical stabilisation of the scaphoid and lunate following SLIL rupture. The BLB scaffold featured two bone compartments bridged by aligned fibres (ligament compartment) mimicking the architecture of the native tissue. The scaffold presented tensile stiffness in the range of 260 ± 38 N/mm and ultimate load of 113 ± 13 N, which would support physiological loading. A finite element analysis (FEA), using inverse finite element analysis (iFEA) for material property identification, showed an adequate fit between simulation and experimental data. The scaffold was then biofunctionalized using two different methods: injected with a Gelatin Methacryloyl solution containing human mesenchymal stem cell spheroids (hMSC) or seeded with tendon-derived stem cells (TDSC) and placed in a bioreactor to undergo cyclic deformation. The first approach demonstrated high cell viability, as cells migrated out of the spheroid and colonised the interstitial space of the scaffold. These cells adopted an elongated morphology suggesting the internal architecture of the scaffold exerted topographical guidance. The second method demonstrated the high resilience of the scaffold to cyclic deformation and the secretion of a fibroblastic related protein was enhanced by the mechanical stimulation. This process promoted the expression of relevant proteins, such as Tenomodulin (TNMD), indicating mechanical stimulation may enhance cell differentiation and be useful prior to surgical implantation. In conclusion, the PET scaffold presented several promising characteristics for the immediate mechanical stabilisation of disassociated scaphoid and lunate and, in the longer-term, the regeneration of the ruptured SLIL.

The use of titanium custom-made 3D-printed prosthesis with reconstruction of scapholunate interosseous ligament in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion

article: The use of titanium custom-made 3D-printed prosthesis with reconstruction of scapholunate interosseous ligament in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion - Minerva Orthopedics 2023 February;74(1):14-9 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Comparison of Outcomes of Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction Techniques.

Introduction Injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) is a common cause of carpal instability, yet surgical management of chronic SLIL disruption remains challenging with no optimal technique identified. Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to comparatively review the available evidence of clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcome measures among popular techniques of SLIL reconstruction (capsulodesis, tenodesis, and bone-tissue-bone graft) to better guide management of SLIL injuries. Methods A total of 1,172 patients from 42 included studies were assessed. Standardized data extraction and analysis were performed. The mean of postoperative outcome assessments with standard deviation was used to calculate pooled standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Results Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for postoperative pain was lowest in bone-tissue-bone patients at 0.9 ( p = 0.0360). Bone-tissue-bone patients had the highest percentage of "excellent" functional outcomes at 64.5% ( p < 0.0001). Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)/QuickDASH score was best in bone-tissue-bone patients at 9.7 ( p < 0.0001). Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score was best in tenodesis patients at 37.8 ( p = 0.0255). There were no statistically significant differences in grip strength, range of motion, or radiographic outcomes among the techniques. Conclusion Existing data demonstrate some benefit of bone-tissue-bone reconstruction over capsulodesis and tenodesis in pain reduction and functional improvement of the injured wrist. No statistically significant differences among radiographic outcomes could be ascertained, possibly attributable to the heterogeneity of procedures. This review provides an updated reference and highlights the need for multicenter trials with longer term follow-up and more standardized outcome measures.

Biomechanical Analysis of Three Different Reconstruction Techniques for Scapholunate Instability: A Cadaveric Study.

This study aimed to compare the biomechanical strength of 360° scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) reconstruction only using an artificial material (AM), double dorsal limb (DDL) SLIL reconstruction only using AM, and the modified Brunelli technique (MBT) with ligament. Eight cadaver wrists were used for this study. The SL interval, SL angle, and radiolunate (RL) angle were recorded with MicroScribe. The SL distance was measured after dividing the volar and dorsal aspects. We utilized four different wrist postures (neutral, flexion, extension, and clenched fist) to compare five conditions: intact wrist, SLIL resection, 360° SLIL reconstruction using AM, DDL SLIL reconstruction using AM, and MBT SLIL reconstruction with ligament. The dorsal SL distance in the SLIL resection was widened in all wrist positions. The dorsal SL distance was restored with all three techniques and in all wrist positions. The volar SL distance in the wrist extension position was widened in the SLIL resection condition. The volar SL distance was restored in the extension position after 360° SLIL reconstruction using AM condition. There were no statistically significant differences in SL and RL angles among the conditions. All three reconstruction techniques could restore the dorsal SL distance. However, only the 360° SLIL reconstruction using AM restored the volar SL distance in the wrist extension position. DDL SLIL reconstruction using AM tended to overcorrect, whereas 360° SLIL reconstruction using AM effectively stopped volar SL interval widening.

728 Histomorphology Of the Subregions of The Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament and Its Enthesis

Abstract Introduction The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) is commonly ruptured following a fall onto the outstretched hand. This ligament has three subregions: dorsal, proximal, and volar. The SLIL enthesis, a specialised region where this ligament attaches to the scaphoid and lunate, has not previously been studied despite its important mechanical function in the wrist joint biomechanics. This study therefore aims to compare the histomorphological differences between the three SLIL subregions, including at their entheses, to inform subregion prioritisation during surgical reconstruction. Method Twelve fresh-frozen human cadaveric wrists were dissected and the gross dimensions of the SLIL subregions measured. Subregions were histologically processed for analysis, including quantification of enthesis calcified fibrocartilage (CF) area. Results From the gross measurements, the dorsal subregion was the thickest (dorsal=3.04 ± 0.26mm, volar=1.69 ± 0.08mm, proximal=1.51 ± 0.06mm). The dorsal and volar subregions had fibrocartilaginous entheses while the proximal subregion was attached to articular cartilage. The dorsal subregion had significantly more CF than the volar subregion. Conclusions The dorsal subregion is the thickest and has the greatest CF area, which is consistent with the greatest biomechanical force subjected to this subregion. These results confirm that the dorsal subregion is the strongest subregion, suggesting important implications in the study of graft incorporation during SLIL reconstruction.

Design Requirements for Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction.

Background As numerous repairs, reconstructions, and replacements have been used following scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury, there is a need to define the structural requirements for any reconstruction or replacement. Methods Research has been conducted on the force needed to keep the scaphoid and lunate reduced following simulated injury, the failure force of the native SLIL and various replacements, the stiffness of the SLIL and replacements, and the torsional resistance of the scaphoid relative to the lunate. Results Forces on the order of 50 N are needed to keep the scaphoid and lunate reduced during simple wrist motions in the chronically injured wrist. Even greater forces (up to 110 N) are needed to keep the bones reduced during strenuous activities, such as pushups. The failure force of the entire SLIL has been reported to be as high as 350 N and the failure force of just the dorsal component of the SLIL to be 270 N. Conclusions The design requirements for a reconstruction or repair may vary depending upon the demands of the patient. In a high demand patient, a reconstruction needs to support the above-mentioned forces during cyclic loading (50 N), when performing strenuous activities (110 N), or during a fall (at least 350 N). Any artificial replacement must undergo careful biocompatibility testing.

Kinematic analysis of two scapholunate ligament reconstruction techniques.

This study compares the kinematic changes after the procedures for scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) reconstruction-the modified Brunelli technique (MBT) and Mark Henry's technique (MHT). Ten cadaveric wrists were used. The scapholunate (SL) interval and angle and radiolunate (RL) angle were recorded using the MicroScribe system. The SL interval was measured by dividing the volar and dorsal portions. Four motions of the wrist were performed-neutral, flexion, extension, and clenched fist (CF) positions-and compared among five conditions: (1) intact wrist, (2) volar SLIL resection, (3) whole SLIL resection, (4) MBT reconstruction, and (5) MHT reconstruction. Under the whole SLIL resection condition, the dorsal SL intervals were widened in all positions. In all positions, the dorsal SL intervals were restored after MBT and MHT. The volar SL interval widened in the extension position after volar SLIL resection. The volar SL interval was not restored in the extension position after MBT and MHT. The SL angle increased in the neutral and CF positions under the whole SLIL resection condition. The SL angle was not restored in the neutral and CF positions after MBT and MHT. The RL angle increased in the neutral and CF positions under the whole SLIL resection condition. The RL angle was not restored in the neutral and CF positions after MBT and MHT. The MBT and MHT may restore the dorsal SL interval. No significant differences in restoration of the SL interval between MBT and MHT were found in the cadaveric models. No significant differences between MBT and MHT were found in the cadaveric models for SLIL reconstruction. When considering the complications due to volar incision and additional procedures in MHT, MBT may be a more efficient technique in terms of operative time and injury of the anterior structures during surgery, but further research is needed.

Histomorphology of the Subregions of the Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament and Its Enthesis.

Background The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) has three subregions: dorsal, proximal, and volar. The SLIL enthesis has not previously been studied despite its important mechanical function in wrist joint biomechanics. Questions/Purposes This study aims to compare the histomorphological differences between the SLIL subregions, including at their entheses. Three questions are explored: Do the gross dimensions differ between SLIL subregions? Does the enthesis qualitatively, and its calcified fibrocartilage (CF) quantitatively, differ between (a) SLIL subregions and (b) scaphoid and lunate attachments? Methods Twelve fresh-frozen human cadaveric wrists were dissected and the gross dimensions of the SLIL subregions measured. Subregions were histologically processed for morphological and compositional analyses, including quantification of enthesis CF area. Results The dorsal subregion was the thickest. The dorsal and volar subregions had fibrocartilaginous entheses, while the proximal subregion was attached to articular cartilage. The dorsal subregion had significantly more CF than the volar subregion. There was no significant difference in the enthesis CF between scaphoid and lunate attachments in the three subregions. Conclusions There are significant morphological differences between the SLIL subregions. The dorsal subregion has the largest amount of CF, which is consistent with the greater biomechanical force subjected to this subregion. The similar histomorphology of the ligament at the scaphoid and lunate entheses suggests that similar biomechanical forces are applied to both attachments. Clinical Relevance The histomorphological results confirm that the dorsal subregion is the strongest of the three subregions. The results from the entheseal region may have important implications in the study of graft incorporation during SLIL reconstruction.

Postoperative Pain Is Correlated with Scaphoid Dorsal Translation following Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction.

Background Dorsal scaphoid translation (DST) has been demonstrated to occur in patients with complete scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) tears. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have demonstrated ability to detect DST in patients with documented complete scapholunate (SL) disruption, but the relevance of this parameter to outcomes of reconstruction has not been determined. Purpose The purpose of this article is to determine how radiographic parameters of SL dissociation correlate with postoperative pain and functional outcomes of SLIL reconstruction. Methods We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on a cohort of 14 patients who underwent SLIL repair or reconstruction. Preoperative data included radiographic measurements of carpal posture and alignment (SL angle, radiolunate [RL] angle, SL gap, and DST), self-reported measure of average pain on a numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0 to 10, and the patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) survey. Postoperatively, the same data were collected at each follow-up visit. Radiographic parameters were statistically compared with postoperative NRS pain score and PRWE scores. Statistical correlations were calculated using Spearman's correlation coefficient, and mean NRS pain scores were compared using Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests, with an α value of p = 0.05. Results Mean NRS pain scores improved significantly after surgery. Mean DST improved significantly after surgery. The presence of postoperative dorsal scaphoid translation (DST) correlated strongly with postoperative pain. SL angle, RL angle, and SL gap showed no correlation with patient reported pain. There was no correlation with any radiographic parameter and PRWE. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that the presence of DST in postoperative radiographs has a strong correlation with patient reported pain following SLIL reconstruction. We conclude that correction of dorsal translation of the scaphoid is a more sensitive predictor of postoperative pain relief than SL gap, RL angle, or SL angle. Level of evidence This is a Level IV study.

Multiphasic scaffold for scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction: A study in the rabbit knee.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament tears are a common wrist injury in young and active patients that can lead to suboptimal outcomes after repair. This research aims to assess a multiphasic scaffold using 3D-printing for reconstruction of the dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament. The scaffold was surgically implanted in vivo in the position of the native rabbit medial collateral ligament. Two branches of treatment were implemented in the study. In the first group, the rabbits (n = 8) had the knee joint fixed in flexion for 4 weeks using 1.4 mm K-wires prior to sample harvesting. The second group (n = 8) had the rabbit knee joint immobilized for 4 weeks prior to K-wire removal and mobilization for an additional 4 weeks prior to sample harvesting. Overall, samples were harvested at 4 weeks post-surgery (immobilized group) and eight weeks post-surgery (mobilized group). Mechanical tensile testing (n = 5/group) and histology (n = 3/group) of the constructs were conducted. Tissue integration and maturation were observed resulting in increased mechanical strength of the operated joint at 8 weeks (P < .05). Bone and ligament tissues were regenerated in their respective compartments with structural and mechanical properties approaching those reported for the human dorsal SLIL ligament. Clinical Significance: This proof of concept study has demonstrated that the synthetic multiphasic scaffold was capable of regenerating both bone and ligament while also withstanding the physiological load once implanted in the rabbit knee. The artificial scaffold may provide an alternative to current techniques for reconstruction of scapholunate instability or other ligament injuries in the hand and wrist.

Differences in the Rotation Axes of the Scapholunate Joint During Flexion-Extension and Radial-Ulnar Deviation Motions

To determine the location of the rotation axis between the scaphoid and the lunate (SL-axis) during wrist flexion-extension (FE) and radial-ulnar deviation (RUD). An established and publicly available digital database of wrist bone anatomy and carpal kinematics of 30 healthy volunteers (15 males and 15 females) in up to 8 different positions was used to study the SL-axis. Using the combinations of positions from wrist FE and RUD, the helical axis of motion of the scaphoid relative to the lunate was calculated for each trial in an anatomical coordinate system embedded in the lunate. The differences in location and orientation between each individual axis and the average axis were used to quantify variation in axis orientation. Variation in the axis location was computed as the distance from the closest point on the rotation axis to the centroid of the lunate. The variation in axis orientation of the rotation axis for wrist FE and RUD were 84.3° and 83.5°, respectively. The mean distances of each rotation axis from the centroid of the lunate for FE and RUD were 5.7 ± 3.2 mm, and 5.0 ± 3.6 mm, respectively. Based on the evaluation of this dataset, we demonstrated that the rotation axis of the scaphoid relative to the lunate is highly variable across subjects and positions during both FE and RUD motions. The range of locations and variation in axis orientations in this data set of 30 wrists shows that there is very likely no single location for the SL-axis. Scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction methods focused on re-creating a standard SL-axis may not restore what is more likely to be a variable anatomical axis and normal kinematics of the scaphoid and lunate.

Additively Manufactured Multiphasic Bone-Ligament-Bone Scaffold for Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction.

The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) is a frequently torn wrist ligament, and current surgical options for SLIL tears are suboptimal. This research aims to develop a novel multiphasic bone-ligament-bone scaffold (BLB) with a porous interface using 3D-printing and cell sheet technology for the reconstruction of the dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament. The BLB comprises two bone compartments bridged by aligned polycaprolactone fibers mimicking the architecture of the native tissue. Mechanical testing of the BLBs shows their ability to withstand physiological forces. Combination of the BLB with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell sheet demonstrates that the harvesting did not compromise cell viability, while allowing homogeneous distribution in the ligament compartment. The BLBs are loaded with cell sheets and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the ligament and bone compartment respectively prior to ectopic implantation into athymic rats. The histology demonstrates rapid tissue infiltration, high vascularization, and more importantly the maintenance of the compartmentalization as bone formation remains localized to the bone compartment despite the porous interface. The cells in the ligament compartment become preferentially aligned, and this proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the BLB can provide sufficient compartmentalization and fiber guiding properties necessary for the regeneration of the dorsal SLIL.

A four-dimensional-CT study of invivo scapholunate rotation axes: possible implications for scapholunate ligament reconstruction.

Additional fixation of the palmar scapholunate interosseous ligament has been advocated to improve the long-term results of dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction. To investigate the validity of this approach, we determined normal scapholunate motion patterns and calculated the location of the scapholunate rotation axis. We hypothesized that the optimal location of the scapholunate interosseous ligament insertion could be determined from the scapholunate rotation axis. Four-dimensional computerized tomography was used to study the wrist motion in 21 healthy participants. During flexion–extension motions, the scaphoid rotates 38° (SD 0.6°) relative to the lunate; the rotation axis intersects the dorsal ridge of the proximal pole of the scaphoid and the dorsal ridge of the lunate. Minimal scapholunate motion is present during radioulnar deviation. Since the scapholunate rotation axis runs through the dorsal proximal pole of the scaphoid, this is probably the optimal location for attaching the scapholunate ligament during reconstructive surgery.

Wrist Rehabilitation after Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction for a Collegiate Basketball Player

Wrist Rehabilitation after Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction for a Collegiate Basketball Player

Additively Manufactured Multiphasic Bone-Ligament-Bone Scaffold for Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction

Additively Manufactured Multiphasic Bone-Ligament-Bone Scaffold for Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction

What is the future for Scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction?

This opinion paper provides a summary of the current reconstructive surgical techniques for the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) and critically highlights their benefits and shortcomings. Due to limited success with direct repair of the ligament, current practice focuses on achieving biomechanical stabilization and does not allow for tissue regeneration to occur. In addition, the biomechanical behaviour of the ligament is still poorly described and understood, resulting in a very large variation in published mechanical parameters. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the biomechanics of the joint, via both experimental testing and numerical modelling is necessary for enabling the design of the next generation of implants in order to address mechanical stabilisation and regeneration.

Chronic Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Disruption: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Treatments.

Background: Although many techniques have been described, there is no clear optimal surgical treatment for chronic scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) disruption. Methods: We identified 255 articles reporting outcomes of SLIL reconstruction. Of these, 40 studies (978 wrists) met eligibility requirements and reported sufficient data on radiographic outcomes to be included in the study. The mean and standard deviation of preoperative and follow-up assessments including scapholunate gap (SLG) and scapholunate angle (SLA) were used to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For other radiographic or clinical outcomes, there were not enough reported data to calculate a pooled effect size, and pooled nonstandardized comparisons were made. Results: The SMD between preoperative and postoperative SLA in tenodesis reconstruction was 0.7 (CI, 0.29 to 1.11, P = .001) and 0.04 (CI, -0.27 to 0.38, P = .8) for capsulodesis reconstruction. For SLG, tenodesis demonstrated an SMD of 1.1 (CI, 0.6 to 1.55, P < .001) compared with 0.1 (CI, -0.36 to 0.59, P = .6) for capsulodesis reconstruction. Tenodesis had a significant improvement compared with capsulodesis in SLA (P = .01) and SLG (P = .005). Tenodesis also showed improvement in grip strength and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. Conclusions: Comparing preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements, tenodesis reconstruction demonstrated significantly improved SLG and SLA relative to capsulodesis. Interpreted in the context of the limitations, existing data demonstrates some benefit of tenodesis reconstruction.

Cadaveric Testing of a Novel Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background Existing scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) reconstruction techniques include fixation spanning the radiocarpal joint, which do not reduce the volar aspect of the scapholunate interval and may limit wrist motion. Questions/Purpose This study tested the ability of an SLIL reconstruction technique that approximates both the volar and dorsal scapholunate intervals, without spanning the radiocarpal joint, to restore static scapholunate relationships. Materials and Methods Scapholunate interval, scapholunate angle, and radiolunate angle were measured in nine human cadaveric specimens with the SLIL intact, sectioned, and reconstructed. Fluoroscopic images were obtained in six wrist positions. The reconstruction was performed by passing tendon graft through bone tunnels from the dorsal surface toward the volar corner of the interosseous surface. After reduction of the scapholunate articulation, the graft was tensioned within the lunate bone tunnel, secured with an interference screw in the scaphoid, and sutured to the dorsal SLIL remnant. Differences among testing states were evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA. Results There was a significant increase in the scapholunate interval in all wrist positions after complete SLIL disruption. Compared with the disrupted state, there was a significant decrease in scapholunate interval in all wrist positions after reconstruction using a tendon graft and interference screw. Conclusion Our SLIL reconstruction technique reconstructs the volar and dorsal ligaments of the scapholunate joint and adequately restores static measures of scapholunate stability. This technique does not tether the radiocarpal joint and aims to optimize volar reduction. Clinical Relevance Our technique offers an alternative option for SLIL reconstruction that successfully restores static scapholunate relationships.

Dart throwers motion may be optimal after scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction.

Dart throwers motion may be optimal after scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction.