Scapholunate Ligament Injuries and Treatment

What Is the Scapholunate Ligament?

The scapholunate ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate bones, two small bones in the wrist. This ligament is essential for maintaining the alignment and stability of these bones during wrist movement. Injuries to the scapholunate ligament can range from mild sprains to complete tears, resulting in wrist instability and abnormal joint mechanics.

Causes of Scapholunate Ligament Injuries

Scapholunate ligament injuries are often caused by:

• Trauma: A fall onto an outstretched hand is the most common cause.
• Repetitive Strain: Overuse from repetitive wrist motions, often seen in athletes or manual laborers.
• Degeneration: Wear and tear over time can weaken the ligament, increasing susceptibility to injury.

Symptoms of a Scapholunate Ligament Injury

Common symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling in the wrist, particularly on the thumb side.
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects.
• A clicking, popping, or snapping sensation during wrist movement.
• Weakness or instability in the wrist.
• Reduced range of motion.

If left untreated, a scapholunate ligament injury can lead to a condition called scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist), which causes progressive arthritis and worsening wrist dysfunction.

Diagnosing Scapholunate Ligament Injuries

At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, diagnosing a scapholunate ligament injury involves:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Assessing symptoms, wrist stability, and range of motion.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays to check for gaps or misalignment between the scaphoid and lunate bones. Advanced imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, may be used to visualize soft tissue damage.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to directly inspect the ligament and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Scapholunate Ligament Injuries

Our specialists provide a full range of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to the severity of the injury.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Immobilization: Wearing a splint or cast to allow the ligament to heal and reduce strain.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the surrounding muscles to support wrist stability and improve range of motion.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Surgical Treatments

For severe or complete ligament tears, surgery may be necessary to restore wrist stability. Surgical options include:

• Direct Repair: Reconnecting the torn ligament to its original attachment.
• Ligament Reconstruction: Using a tendon graft to reconstruct the ligament and restore joint stability.
• Partial Wrist Fusion: Fusing some of the wrist bones to stabilize the joint while preserving as much motion as possible.
• Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC): Removing damaged bones in severe cases to reduce pain and improve function.

Our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, ensuring precise treatment and faster recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from a scapholunate ligament injury depends on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment approach. Key aspects of recovery include:

• Immobilization Period: For surgical treatments, the wrist is typically immobilized for several weeks.
• Physical Therapy: A structured rehabilitation program to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
• Return to Activity: Most patients can resume light activities within a few weeks, with full recovery taking several months for severe injuries.

Our team will provide personalized guidance throughout your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush?

Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is a leader in hand and wrist care, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options for scapholunate ligament injuries. Our fellowship-trained specialists are dedicated to delivering personalized, patient-centered care to help you regain wrist function and prevent long-term complications.