Current status of scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries

Injuries to the scapholunate complex present the surgeon with both diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. The anatomic features, biomechanical properties, radiographic appearance, and surgical treatment algorithms of this small but structurally and kinematically important joint continue to be refined. A thorough history and physical examination, combined with a radiographic evaluation that can include plain radiographs, tomography, motion studies, arthrography, or MRI, usually will define the nature of the ligament injury. Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for complete evaluation of scapholunate interosseous ligament injury and often is performed as a first step before repair or reconstruction. Procedures such as carpal fusions or capsulodesis can limit excessive scaphoid motion, promote wrist stability, and potentially prevent arthritis, but advances continue to be made in direct scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction. Challenges for the future involve improving noninvasive evaluation, defining the degree of extrinsic ligament injury, and improving direct repair and reconstruction.