Arthroscopic Dorsal Ligamentocapsulodesis in the Management of Combined Tears of Scapholunate and Lunotriquetral Ligaments: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Clinical Results

Abstract

Introduction The literature is scarce regarding the management of combined tears of scapholunate (SL) and lunotriquetral (LT) ligaments. This study aimed to evaluate our preliminary results with the arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis in managing such cases.

Materials and Methods Forty-two patients (13 females, 29 males; mean age = 31; age range = 18–51 years) who underwent arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis due to the combined tears of SL and LT ligaments were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up was 38 (range = 24–55) months. The Modified Mayo Wrist Score, the visual analogue scale (VAS), and grip strength were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up examination.

Results The mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score significantly improved from 49 (range = 25–70) preoperatively to 82 (range = 60–100) at the final follow-up (p = 0.000). The mean VAS significantly decreased from 6.33 to 1.6 (p = 0.000). The mean hand grip strength significantly improved from 31 (range = 19–41) kg to 44 (range = 25–60) kg at the final follow-up examination (p < 0.001). No major complications were encountered.

Conclusion Arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis seems to be a safe and effective surgical technique in the management of this rare combined injury pattern.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, retrospective case series study.

Keywords

combined tears of SL and LT ligaments - dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis - the floating lunate - wrist arthroscopy

Ethical Approval

The study was approved by local ethical committee.

Authors' Contributions

I.B.O.: Substantial contributions to the conception, design of the work, the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the work. O.A.: Substantial contributions to the conception, design of the work, the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the work. M.D.: Writing of the manuscript, the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the work. T.Y.: Analysis and interpretation of data for the work. M.U.: Substantial contributions to the conception, design of the work, and final approval of the version to be published.

Publication History

Received: 11 February 2022

Accepted: 24 May 2022

Article published online:
18 July 2022

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