Radiological study of the mobility of the scapho-lunate joint

Based on the study of 126 wrists, it was possible to determine that 36 degrees of normal laxity exists in the scapholunate complex. This was documented by the comparative measurements of the total range of movement of these two bones on sagittal plane X-rays. No difference between the dominant and non dominant hands was observed. Cadaveric experimental studies as well as the records of 13 pathological wrists showed that scapholunate laxity was greater when the scapholunate ligament was involved. Measuring scapholunate movements on sagittal motion roentgenographic views can detect pathological laxity between these two bones, considering that 15 degrees is the minimal difference permitted.