[Comparison of two arthroscopic classifications for scapholunate instability]

The W. Geissler's and G. Dautel's arthroscopic classifications for scapholunate instability have been compared in a prospective, multicentric study. Physical, radiographic and arthroscopic data from 50 patients were reported by eight operators working in eight different institutions. Two questions were asked for each study case: Which classification seemed to be the more easy to use? Which classification seemed to give the best treatment algorithm? The good and bad points of each classification are presented. Neither of these two classifications is ideal, so the authors propose a classification incorporating the important points gleaned from the study. The proposed classification is simple, reproducible and precise, especially in terms of scapholunate ligament status.