Department of hand surgery & Microsurgery.

Scapho lunate ligament injury

What Is Scapholunate Ligament (Sl)?

The scaphoid bone and lunate bone are at the distal end of the radius (thumb side of the wrist). They constitute essential components of the wrist joint’s articulation. These bones are held together by intercarpal ligaments, which are strong ligaments that run between carpal bones. The scapholunate ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate bones and is the most often damaged intercarpal ligament. When this bond between the scaphoid and the lunate bones sustains a complete ligament tear, this is known as scapholunate dissociation.A scapholunate dissociation throws the wrist joint’s balance off, resulting in asynchronous and uncoordinated motion between the carpal bones as the patient moves their wrist. This can result in wrist pain and swelling, clicking, a lack of grip control, and a loss of range of motion. A disorder known as scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) may occur in long-term situations. The final stages of SLAC are permanent and end in irreversible osteoarthritis.

How Does Scapholunate Ligament Injury Occur?

A Scapholunate Ligament (Sl) Injury Can Result From Several Causes, Including Sports-related Injuries, Falls, And Motor Vehicle Accidents. It Is Typical Of People To Dismiss The Accident At First, Believing It To Be A Minor “Sprain.”The Injury Becomes Permanent If Weeks Or Months Pass Without A Diagnosis. Some People Experience Decreased Range Of Motion And/Or Pain In The Wrist During Strenuous Exercises Like Push-ups And Weight Lifting, Even Though They Can’t Remember A Particular Injury.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sl Injury ?
  • Wrist Pain, Especially When Trying To Put Weight On The Injured Wrist (E.G., Trying To Do A Push-up)
  • The Wrist Makes Clicking Sounds
  • Instability And Vulnerability Of The Wrist
  • Weak, Painful Grip
  • Reduction In Wrist Mobility
  • Swollen Wrists
How Sl Injuries Are Diagnosed ?

Diagnosis Is Suspected By Your Surgeon By Listening To Your History And By Examining Your Wrist. Special X-ray Views And Mri Often Helps To Confirm The Diagnosis.

What Are The Sl Injury Treatment Options?

The Severity Of The Tear, The Acuity Of The Fracture, And The Prevalence Of Arthritis All Influence Treatment Of Scapholunate Ligament Injury. Partial Tears Progress In Future To Slac Wrist Arthritis.
Partial Scapho Lunate Ligament Injuries Are Treated Successfully With Plaster. Complete Scapho Lunate Ligament Injuries Need Surgery. The Surgical Technique Depends On Factors Like Duration Of Injury, Changes Occurred Inside the Wrist Joint.
Acute Scapho Lunate Ligament Injuries Are Treated By Repair. Chronic Scapho Lunate Ligament Injuries Will Require Reconstruction With Tendon Graft. Wrist Arthroscopy Is Often Used To Determine The Type Of Surgical Procedure.

Sl Injury Recovery Time

It Is The Same For Arthroscopic And Ligament Repair Surgeries, About 3 To 6 Months. In Some Instances, Non-operative Treatment Fails Because The Injury Is Too Severe.