Scapholunate Ligament Injuries
The scapholunate ligament is a major ligament in the wrist that connects the scaphoid bone to the lunate bone. It helps to stabilize the wrist and prevent it from moving too much.
A scapholunate ligament injury occurs when this ligament is torn. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including:
- Falls: A fall onto an outstretched hand can injure the scapholunate ligament.
- Sports injuries: Scapholunate ligament injuries are common in sports that involve contact, such as football, basketball, and hockey.
- Overuse injuries: Scapholunate ligament injuries can also occur in people who use their wrists repetitively, such as factory workers or musicians.
When the scapholunate ligament is injured, it can cause pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the wrist. In some cases, the bones in the wrist may also become misaligned.
If a scapholunate ligament injury is not treated, it can lead to chronic pain and instability in the wrist. In some cases, it may even lead to arthritis.
If you think you may have a scapholunate ligament injury, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor will examine your wrist and take X-rays. In some cases, you may also need an MRI scan.
The treatment for a scapholunate ligament injury depends on the severity of the injury. If the ligament is only sprained, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatment, such as:
- Rest: Avoid using the wrist and keep it immobilized in a splint or cast.
- Ice: Apply ice to the wrist for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Compress the wrist with an elastic bandage.
- Elevation: Elevate the wrist above the heart.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as steroids or cortisone injections.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and strength in the wrist.
If the ligament is completely torn, you may need surgery. The goal of surgery is to repair the ligament and restore stability to the wrist.
There are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to repair a torn scapholunate ligament, including:
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure allows the surgeon to view the inside of the wrist and make repairs without making a large incision.
- Open surgery: This procedure involves making a larger incision in the wrist to access the ligament.
After surgery, you will need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks. You will also need to do physical therapy to regain range of motion and strength in the wrist.
The prognosis for scapholunate ligament injuries is variable and depends on the extent of damage to the ligament and how long it has been since the injury. The more severe the injury and the greater the length of time from injury to presentation the worse the outcome. Most people with low-grade tears of the scapholunate ligament injuries are able to make a full recovery and return to their normal activities while those with high-grade tears and chronic injuries have a less favourable outcome.
