Scapholunate Injuries

What is the scapholunate ligament?

The scapholunate ligament is a crucial ligament in the wrist that connects the scaphoid and lunate bones. It helps stabilise these bones and maintain proper wrist function. Injuries to this ligament can lead to wrist instability and pain.


Causes of scapholunate injuries:

Scapholunate injuries can occur due to various reasons, including traumatic events like falls onto an outstretched hand, repetitive stress, sports injuries, or degenerative changes over time. These injuries can range from sprains to complete tears of the ligament, resulting in wrist instability and dysfunction.


Signs and Symptoms of scapholunate injuries:

Scapholunate injuries - SIM Physiotherapy Frenchs Forest and Macquarie Park

  • Wrist pain

  • Swelling

  • Tenderness over the area of the scapholunate ligament

  • Difficulty gripping or bearing weight on the affected wrist

  • Limited range of motion

  • Feeling of clunking in the wrist

  • Increased widening of the SL interval on X-ray

Scapholunate injuries - SIM Physiotherapy Frenchs Forest and Macquarie Park

Treatment of scapholunate injuries:

Treatment for scapholunate injuries depends on the severity of the injury. For mild cases, conservative measures such as rest, immobilization with a splint or brace, and physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve range of motion may be sufficient.

In more severe cases or complete tears, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament. Surgical options include ligament repair, ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts, or fusing the affected bones together to stabilise the wrist joint.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes, as untreated scapholunate injuries can lead to chronic wrist pain, instability, and arthritis. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and personalised treatment plan.


Complications of scapholunate injuries:

Complications of untreated scapholunate injuries can include chronic wrist pain, weakness, instability, and decreased range of motion. Over time, untreated injuries can also lead to degenerative changes in the wrist joint, such as osteoarthritis, which can further impair wrist function and cause persistent discomfort. Additionally, untreated injuries may increase the risk of developing other wrist conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ligamentous laxity. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to minimise the risk of complications and optimise long-term outcomes.

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