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Scapholunate instability (SLI) is the most common carpal instability described. SLI leads to a degenerative arthritic pattern known as scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC). Diagnosis of SLI can be challenging in pre-dynamic and dynamic stages. CT arthrogram, MR arthrogram and dynamic fluoroscopy are helpful in diagnosis while arthroscopy remains the gold standard. SLI is a multi-ligament injury, which involves not only the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) but also the extrinsic carpal ligaments. Hence, it is better described as an injury compromising the ‘dorsal scapholunate(dSLL) complex’. A repair can be attempted for acute SLI presenting within 6 weeks of injury. Reconstruction is the mainstay of treatment for chronic SLI without degenerative changes. Multiple repair techniques have been described which include capsulodesis and tenodesis procedures. The clinical outcomes of the techniques have improved over the years. However, a common problem of all these techniques is the lack of long-term data on the outcomes and deteriorating radiological parameters over time. SLI staging is an important factor to be considered in choosing the reconstruction techniques for a better outcome. Currently, there is a trend towards more biological and less invasive techniques. Regardless of the technique, it is important to preserve the nerve supply of the dorsal capsuloligamentous structures of the wrist. Arthroscopic techniques being minimally invasive have the advantage of less collateral damage to the capsuloligamentous structures. Rehabilitation involves a team approach where a protected dart thrower’s motion is allowed after a period of immobilization. Strengthening SL-friendly muscles and inhibiting SL-unfriendly muscles is a key principle in rehabilitation.
Scapholunate instability (SLI) is the most common carpal instability described. SLI leads to a degenerative arthritic pattern known as scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC). Diagnosis of SLI can be challenging in pre-dynamic and dynamic stages. CT arthrogram, MR arthrogram and dynamic fluoroscopy are helpful in diagnosis while arthroscopy remains the gold standard. SLI is a multi-ligament injury, which involves not only the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) but also the extrinsic carpal ligaments. Hence, it is better described as an injury compromising the ‘dorsal scapholunate(dSLL) complex’. A repair can be attempted for acute SLI presenting within 6 weeks of injury. Reconstruction is the mainstay of treatment for chronic SLI without degenerative changes. Multiple repair techniques have been described which include capsulodesis and tenodesis procedures. The clinical outcomes of the techniques have improved over the years. However, a common problem of all these techniques is the lack of long-term data on the outcomes and deteriorating radiological parameters over time. SLI staging is an important factor to be considered in choosing the reconstruction techniques for a better outcome. Currently, there is a trend towards more biological and less invasive techniques. Regardless of the technique, it is important to preserve the nerve supply of the dorsal capsuloligamentous structures of the wrist. Arthroscopic techniques being minimally invasive have the advantage of less collateral damage to the capsuloligamentous structures. Rehabilitation involves a team approach where a protected dart thrower’s motion is allowed after a period of immobilization. Strengthening SL-friendly muscles and inhibiting SL-unfriendly muscles is a key principle in rehabilitation.
We retrospectively evaluated the results of all arthroscopic dorsal scapholunate (SL) capsuloplasty without pinning in patients presenting predynamic instability and dorsal capsuloscapholunate septum lesions on arthro-computed tomography scan after failed medical treatment. Fifteen patients, mean age 34.3 years, underwent all arthroscopically assisted dorsal capsuloplasty. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by a clinical (pain, Watson's test, range of motion, and strength), functional (quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand), patient-rated wrist evaluation, and Mayo wrist score scores), and radiological (SL gap and dorsal intercalated segmental instability [DISI]) examination. SL tears were evaluated during surgery by European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) classification. The mean follow-up period was 20.2 months (range, 12-41). Preoperatively, positive Watson's test was noted in all cases. DISI deformity was noted in three cases without any SL gap. The SL instability was graded EWAS IIIB ( = 8) or EWAS IIIC ( = 7). Postoperatively, positive Watson's test was noted in only one case. Activity pain decreased from 7.8 preoperatively to 2.4 postoperatively. Range of motion in flexion-extension increased from 92.9 degrees preoperatively to 126.2 degrees postoperatively. Grip strength increased from 24.2 preoperatively to 38.2 postoperatively. At final follow-up, range of motion in flexion-extension and grip strength were estimated at 87 and 91% compared with contralateral side, respectively. All functional scores were significantly improved at the last follow-up. No radiographic SL gapping in grip views or DISI deformity was noted. Cadaveric studies demonstrated that the dorsal portion of SL ligament is critical for the stability of the SL complex. The entire arthroscopic SL capsuloplasty technique provides reliable results for pain relief, avoiding postoperative stiffness associated with open procedures. It is an alternative technique for patients with predynamic SL instability after failure of medical management and shall not prelude the resort to any further open procedure. This is a level IV, case series.
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