Chronic lunotriquetral instability: diagnosis and treatment

Outcomes Following Surgical Interventions for Isolated Lunotriquetral Interosseous Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review

Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be attributed to various bony and ligamentous structures. The purpose of this review is to compare outcomes following surgical interventions for isolated lunotriquetral (LT) interosseous ligament injuries in adults. We assessed 202 procedures from 9 retrospective case series studies of low to moderate quality based on the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale. The comparative outcomes (ie, range of motion, pain, strength, quality of life, complications, return to work, and patient satisfaction) were aggregated and categorized under arthrodesis, capsulodesis, ligament repairs and reconstruction, and ulna shortening osteotomy procedures. Although the comparison of outcomes was largely inconclusive due to the heterogeneity and the omission of preoperative characteristic data, we did observe higher complications and reoperation rates post LT arthrodesis. It is recommended that all outcomes be standardized and presented uniformly with best practices developed to better characterize the injury's severity and integrity in future studies.

Intercarpal arthrodesis: A systematic review

Intercarpal arthrodesis is a well-established option to treat various disorders of the carpus, such as localized osteoarthritis, carpal instability, and Kienböck's disease. This is a non-conservative procedure aimed at obtaining a stable and congruent interface between the radius and the proximal carpal row, which restores wrist function by minimizing pain and restoring grip strength. These procedures generally yield good predictable results that are maintained over time. However, all intracarpal arthrodesis procedures cause a loss of wrist range of motion. To optimize outcomes and minimize complications, especially nonunion, this surgery may require a learning curve. A precise surgical technique for preparing the bone surfaces, bringing enough bone graft, and using reliable fixation is essential. Since the late 1960s, several intracarpal arthrodesis procedures have been described. Commonly used fusions target the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid, scaphocapitate, four corners, capitolunate or capitohamatolunate regions. Lesser used fusions focus on specific lesions such as the scapholunate, scapholunocapitate, lunotriquetral and triquetrohamate. Here, we propose a systematic review of the various types of intercarpal arthrodesis procedures described in the literature. After having described each arthrodesis, we specify their indications, the variations of the surgical techniques, and then present an overview of the results and complications. Finally, we discuss how these surgeries affect wrist biomechanics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Revisiting Lunotriquetral Arthrodesis in Chronic Lunotriquetral Ligamentous Injuries

Background  Chronic lunotriquetral (LT) ligament tears are a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Left untreated, complete tears of the LT ligament may progress to a volar intercalated segment instability deformity and eventual carpal arthritis. Various treatments have been proposed, one of which is LT arthrodesis. LT arthrodesis has been criticized for high rates of nonunion frequently requiring reoperation, and therefore has largely fallen out of favor. However, our experience has been quite different from the literature. This study examines a single surgeon's experience with LT arthrodesis over a 15-year period. Methods  A retrospective review of the senior author's practice over a 15-year period was performed. All adult cases of LT arthrodesis for chronic LT injuries were included. Headless compression screw and cancellous bone graft from the distal radius were used for primary arthrodesis in all cases. The primary outcome was rate of union, and secondary outcomes were time to union, secondary or salvage procedures, and range of motion. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used to calculate differences in outcomes. Results  Twenty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 45.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 35-50) years and 75% were male. The dominant hand was most commonly affected. Eighty-six percent of patients achieved union, one patient required redo arthrodesis, and one patient went on to wrist salvage. Three patients developed a pain-free pseudoarthrosis. Median time to radiographic union was 8.8 (IQR 5.9-11.9) weeks. Conclusion  Despite multiple previous reports, this study demonstrates that LT arthrodesis for chronic LT injuries is a safe technique with high rates of successful union. Further comparative studies are warranted to determine the optimal treatment for chronic LT injuries.

Outcomes after Bone-Ligament-Bone Intercarpal Ligament Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Numerous surgical reconstructive techniques have been described for chronic scapholunate and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament instability.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 16 consecutive patients who underwent bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for scapholunate or lunotriquetral intraosseous ligament predynamic and dynamic instability at a single tertiary care institution from 2013 to 2019. Clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications, were recorded.

RESULTS

Eleven patients had bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for scapholunate ligament injury and five for lunotriquetral instability. Fourteen patients (87.5 percent) underwent diagnostic arthroscopy before bone-ligament-bone reconstruction, with nine of 14 having grade 3 and four of 14 having grade 4 injury. Capitohamate bone-ligament-bone grafts were used in nine patients (56 percent) and the graft was taken from Lister tubercle in seven (44 percent). The average age at surgery was 37 years. The average follow-up was 60.6 weeks. There were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters. Median postoperative wrist flexion was 45 degrees, and mean postoperative wrist extension was 53 degrees, which were significantly less than contralateral flexion (85 degrees; p < 0.0001) and extension (78 degrees; p < 0.0001). Thirty-eight percent of patients complained of persistent pain at final follow-up, and two patients (13 percent) underwent salvage procedures, both at approximately 6.5 months after the index reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Short-term outcomes of bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for early-stage scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries reveal many patients with residual postoperative wrist pain and disability, and almost uniform limitations in flexion-extension motion.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Editorial Commentary: The Practical Goal of Arthroscopic Osteosynthesis for the Treatment of Unstable Scaphoid Nonunion

Arthroscopic reduction with osteosynthesis using bone grafting has become a successful alternative to open techniques for the treatment of chronically unstable scaphoid nonunions. Several studies have demonstrated that arthroscopic techniques are safe and reproducible in addition to causing less soft tissue damage and providing promising short- and mid-term results. However, these techniques have limitations in restoring normal carpal alignment, especially in patients with unstable scaphoid nonunion and carpal collapse deformities, although this does not affect the recovery of clinical function. Therefore, the practical goal of arthroscopic technique should be kept in mind when treating unstable scaphoid nonunions.

Inestabilidad lunopiramidal

Históricamente, la inestabilidad en el lado radial de la muñeca ha recibido mucha más atención que la inestabilidad en el lado ulnar, a pesar de ser una patología relativamente frecuente. Como consecuencia de ello, suele darse un retraso en el diagnóstico correcto y el tratamiento apropiado. Las lesiones del ligamento lunopiramidal pueden ser parciales o completas, y estas últimas pueden estar asociadas a lesión de los estabilizadores secundarios. Cuando se lesionan estos estabilizadores es cuando se produce una inestabilidad estática del carpo conocida como Volar Intercalated Segmentary Instability (VISI). Entre los test clínicos más utilizados para detectar una inestabilidad del ligamento lunopiramidal están el Ballottement test, descrito por Reagan, y el Shear test, descrito por Kleinman, aunque ambos poseen una sensibilidad y una especificidad bajas. Para el diagnóstico de estas lesiones se emplean técnicas como la radiografía simple (que suele ser normal si no hay una inestabilidad estática del carpo), la artrografía y la RMN, entre otras, aunque el gold standard lo constituye la artroscopia de muñeca. No existe un consenso en cuanto al tipo de tratamiento óptimo, ya que la mayoría de los estudios publicados son retrospectivos de nivel iv sin medidas objetivas estandarizadas mediante instrumentos validados. Además, en su mayoría describen los resultados del tratamiento tardío, ya que no se suelen diagnosticar en la fase aguda. Dentro de los tratamientos descritos se encuentran el tratamiento artroscópico (desbridamiento/termocoagulación asociados o no a estabilización con agujas de Kirscher), la reparación abierta, la reconstrucción del ligamento y la artrodesis del ligamento lunopiramidal.

Intercarpal fusions: indications, treatment options and techniques

Partial wrist fusion is a useful technique for the treatment of such specific carpal disorders as arthritis, Kienböck's disease, midcarpal instability, scaphoid nonunion, etc.Many techniques have been described by removing arthritic joint surfaces and transfering load, using, for bone fixation, K-wires, screws, staples, and more recently dedicated plates.The goal of this procedure is to maximise wrist motion and strength while minimizing or eliminating pain.The purpose of this article is to discuss the most commonly used combination of intercarpal arthrodeses, to clarify the indications for each fusion, to describe the appropriate surgical technique for each fusion, and to provide an overview of results and current concepts. Cite this article: Houvet, P. Intercarpal fusions: indications, treatment options and techniques. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:45-51. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000019.

Management of lunotriquetral instability: a review of the literature

Lunotriquetral ligament injury is a relatively common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Injury ranges from partial stable ligament tears to extensive perilunate instability. Clinical decision-making largely depends on the chronicity, instability and cause of the ligament injury. Conservative treatment is generally regarded as first choice of treatment of mild lunotriquetral instability; however, outcome studies on conservative treatment are lacking. Temporary arthroscopic pinning and/or debridement are minimally invasive procedures of preference. In the case of more dissociative injury, surgical interventions may be performed. The literature suggests that soft tissue reconstruction is an effective procedure in this group. Arthrodesis of the lunotriquetral joint is associated with high rates of non-union (up to 57%) and the indications for surgery should therefore be very clear. Methodological issues make it hard to draw firm conclusions from the data. Studies on the effectiveness of conservative management and prospective comparative studies will further improve clinical decision-making in lunotriquetral instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

[Ligament reconstruction for lunotriquetral instability using a distally based strip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon]

OBJECTIVE

Stabilization of the lunotriquetral junction.

INDICATIONS

Dynamic and static chronic instability without fixed dislocation of the carpals.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Chronically fixed dislocation of the carpals, ulnar impaction syndrome, osteoarthritis of the joint between hamate and triquetrum and other parts of the wrist joint, rheumatoid arthritis, chondrocalcinosis.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Restoration of the palmar portion of the lunotriquetral ligament using a distally based strip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon with temporary fixation of the lunotriquetral junction with K-wires.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Immobilization for 8 weeks with a radial cast that includes the first metacarpophalangeal joint. Removal of the K-wires after 8 weeks and exercise.

RESULTS

The procedure with rare complications reliably restores stability of the lunotriquetral junction. Reduction of grip strength, pain during exercise, and a reduced range of motion persist. Overall, the results are predominantly good and excellent.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries

Chronic lunotriquetral (LT) injuries are less common than scapholunate ligament injuries and difficult to diagnose. They may be associated with positive ulnar variance. Clinical diagnostic tests elicit pain at the LT interval. Although radiographs are typically normal, MRI and wrist arthroscopy can help confirm the diagnosis. When conservative treatments fail, surgical options include LT ligament reconstruction, LT arthrodesis, and ulnar-shortening osteotomy (in patients with positive ulnar variance).

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries

Isolated acute lunotriquetral (LT) injuries are an uncommon diagnosis in hand surgery. Diagnosis is aided by a high index of suspicion when pain is localized over the LT joint. Standard radiographs show typically normal findings, leading to advanced diagnostic investigations, including MRI and wrist arthroscopy. Standard treatment options for acute LT injuries include immobilization, arthroscopy, and direct open LT repair.

Management of complications of ligament injuries of the wrist

Despite advances in understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of wrist motion, intrinsic carpal ligament injuries are difficult to diagnose and treat. Even when an accurate diagnosis is made, there is no consensus on the most appropriate and reliable treatment. Injury predisposes to a progressive decline in wrist function and a predictable pattern of degenerative arthritis. To prevent inadequate outcomes, many treatment options exist, all having inherent benefits and complications. This article reviews the complications of intrinsic carpal ligament injuries and complications of their treatment. Methods to prevent and principles to manage the complications are discussed.

The rate of successful four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK-Optima) plate

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of union after four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular plate comprised of polyether-ether-ketone. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular plate at our institution from January 2005 to May 2009. The primary outcome measure was radiographic and clinical union. During the study period, 26 consecutive wrists underwent four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular plate. Twenty-three wrists were included. The mean clinical follow-up was 16 months (range 3-37). Union was achieved in 22 of 23 wrists at a mean time of 3 months (range 1-12). There was one partial union that underwent successful revision arthrodesis. In summary, four-corner fusion with a polyether-ether-ketone locking, dorsal circular plate results in high union rates. The use of a radiolucent plate allows for more accurate assessment of union with the biomechanical advantages of a fixed angle construct.

Isolated lunotriquetral ligament tears treated with ulnar shortening osteotomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes in a single-surgeon series of ulnar shortening osteotomy for the treatment of traumatic isolated tears to the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL).

METHODS

This study includes 53 consecutive cases of posttraumatic isolated LTIL tears treated with ulnar shortening osteotomy with minimum 1-year follow-up (range, 1.0-10.6 y). We confirmed all LTIL tears via arthroscopy before performing a precision 2.5-mm oblique osteotomy using a modified Rayhack technique. We assessed outcomes using grip strength measurements and Chun and Palmer's modified Gartland Werley wrist scoring system, which includes subjective and objective outcome measures.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, 45 cases were graded as fair (28%; n = 15) or poor (57%; n = 30) on the modified Gartland Werley score. There were insufficient data to calculate grades in 8 cases (15%). At final follow-up, most patients exhibited excellent (51%; n = 27) or good (32%; n = 17) scores, some scored fair (17%; n = 9), and none scored as poor. All subjective and objective variables significantly improved over a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 12-127 mo). Mean grip strength increased from a value of 23 kg before surgery to 33 kg over the same period, a 41% increase. All patients achieved clinical and radiographic union by 10 months. Osteotomy plates were removed routinely in most cases (89%; n = 47) at a mean of 17 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulnar shortening osteotomy reduced symptoms of posttraumatic isolated LTIL tears in this single-surgeon series.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Decision making for partial carpal fusions

Limited wrist fusions are effective surgical procedures for providing pain relief while preserving motion of the wrist in patients with localized arthritis of the carpus. In deciding which motion-preserving procedure to perform, the etiology of the arthritis, which joints are involved, and which are spared should be determined. The main principle is to fuse the involved joints and to allow motion through the uninvolved joints. In this article, we discuss the various traumatic and nontraumatic conditions causing arthritis of the wrist and the treatment options for those conditions. Common indications for limited wrist fusions include scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse. Options for treating these conditions include three- and four-corner fusions as well as a proximal row carpectomy. This paper discusses which procedures are the most appropriate as well as the outcomes of these procedures. If the basic principles of limited wrist fusions are adhered to, a good outcome can be obtained. The authors' surgical technique and decision-making processes are discussed.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain. II. Clinical imaging and treatment

Pain at the ulnar aspect of the wrist is a diagnostic challenge for hand surgeons and radiologists due to the small and complex anatomical structures involved. In this article, imaging modalities including radiography, arthrography, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), CT arthrography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR arthrography are compared with regard to differential diagnosis. Clinical imaging findings are reviewed for a more comprehensive understanding of this disorder. Treatments for the common diseases that cause the ulnar-sided wrist pain including extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendonitis, flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendonitis, pisotriquetral arthritis, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, ulnar impaction, lunotriquetral (LT) instability, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability are reviewed.

Dorsal radiocarpal ligament capsulodesis for chronic dynamic lunotriquetral instability

PURPOSE

Chronic lunotriquetral (LT) instability (persisting >3 months after injury) can be treated with a variety of surgical methods (LT fusion, ligament repair or reconstruction, or arthroscopic debridement), with varying degrees of success. We retrospectively evaluated the results of dorsal capsulodesis using the dorsal radiocarpal ligament in an attempt to reinforce the dorsal LT interosseous ligament in patients with chronic dynamic LT instability.

METHODS

A total of 11 patients (mean age, 37 years) with persistent posttraumatic wrist pain and weakness were diagnosed with dynamic LT instability (positive LT ballotment test, disruption of Gilula's lines or volar intercalated segment instability deformity on stress radiography, arthroscopic findings of Geissler grade 3, or 4 LT tears). They were treated consecutively with dorsal capsulodesis. We used subjective and functional outcome measures to evaluate the results.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 31 months (range, 12-65 months). The postoperative visual analog pain score and Mayo wrist score were significantly improved compared with their preoperative values. The average grip strength increased by 5 kg, and the average range of wrist flexion was reduced by 3 degrees .

CONCLUSIONS

In this small series, in the short term, dorsal radiocarpal ligament capsulodesis reduced pain and instability and improved function in patients with chronic dynamic LT instability.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Four-corner arthrodesis using a circular plate and distal radius bone grafting: a consecutive case series

PURPOSE

Four-corner arthrodesis with scaphoid excision has been shown to be an acceptable method for treating wrist degenerative changes. Some recent studies have identified higher complication rates when circular plates are used. This study examined a consecutive case series with defined technique for outcome and complications.

METHODS

A retrospective assessment was performed in a consecutive cohort of 28 patients who underwent a standardized 4-corner arthrodesis with a 2nd-generation circular plate and distal radius bone grafting for a diagnosis of scapholunate advanced collapse, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, or midcarpal arthrosis. Complete data were obtained for 26 of the patients and partial data for the other 2. Follow-up examination included visual analog scale and activity scores, work status, posteroanterior and lateral radiographs, bone union status, grip strength, range of motion, and complications.

RESULTS

Average follow-up was 46 months. Range of motion averaged 45% of the uninjured side (average extension, 35 degrees; average flexion, 26 degrees). Grip strength averaged 82% of the uninjured side. The mean visual analog scale pain and activity scores were 2.3/10 and 2.4/10. Only 1 patient required job modification because of wrist impairment. Radiographs demonstrated union of the primary capitolunate fusion mass in all of the cases. There was 1 case of probable but not certain peritriquetral nonunion and 1 case of asymptomatic loss of radiolunate joint space; in terms of hardware, there was screw back-out (of 1 screw) in 1 case the plate broke in 1 case. Two patients underwent reoperation, one for radial styloid impingement pain and the other for lack of flexion.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recent reports indicating a high nonunion rate with plate fixation, standardized 4-corner arthrodesis using a recessed, dorsal circular plate and distal radius bone grafting produced excellent and reproducible results in this consecutive series. Notably, there was no development of secondary arthritic changes at the radiolunate joint, indicating a reasonable durability to the procedure. Optimal results require exacting technique with quality bone graft.

Complications of circular plate fixation for four-corner arthrodesis

Four corner arthrodesis is an accepted salvage operation for scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid non-union advanced collapse. Circular plates were introduced in 1999 and promoted as a rapid and more stable method for this procedure. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who were treated with the Spider Limited Wrist Fusion Plate (Kinetikos Medical Inc., San Diego, CA). Sixteen patients were identified and followed clinically and with X-rays for an average of 16 (range 5-38) months. Nine out of the 16 patients (56%) had complications, including non-union (25%), delayed union (6%), dorsal impingement (25%), radial styloid impingement (6%) and broken screws (13%). The purpose of this study was to compare our complication rate using circular plates with published outcomes using traditional methods of fixation: this study identified a significantly higher complication rate and lower union rate using circular plate fixation for four-corner arthrodesis compared with previously published techniques.

Anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomy for the treatment of chronic dynamic instability of the wrist

The purpose of this study was to determine the results of combined anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomy (AIN/PIN) in patients with chronic wrist pain secondary to dynamic instability, and to determine the predictability of selective AIN/PIN blocks with respect to pain relief, grip strength, and outcome of the neurectomy. A prospectively accrued chronic wrist pain registry was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were patients with arthroscopically confirmed dynamic wrist instability who had undergone a diagnostic AIN/PIN injection, followed by a single dorsal incision neurectomy. All patients completed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome questionnaires preoperatively and at intervals postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative range of motion, grip strength, and percentage pain relief were recorded. Over a 3-year period, 50 wrists (48 patients) were enrolled: average follow-up was 28 months (range: 24-42 months). The average improvement in grip strength after denervation was 16% (p = 0.076), the average improvement in subjective pain rating was 51% (p < 0.0001), and the average improvement in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores was 15 points (p = 0.0039). Improvement of pain from diagnostic injections was not predictive of final improvement of pain; however, improvement in grip strength after diagnostic injections did correlate with improved grip strength after surgery. Lack of improvement in subjective pain rating or grip strength after diagnostic injection approached statistical significance. There was no decrease in range of motion postoperatively. Fourteen patients (16 wrists) failed as defined by need for subsequent surgery. The results of AIN/PIN neurectomy demonstrate that it may be an effective alternative to wrist salvage or reconstructive procedures within the first few years of follow-up.

Carpal osteoarthrosis

Despite improved understanding of carpal mechanics, increased awareness of intercarpal ligament injuries, and improved techniques for treating carpal instability, post-traumatic intercarpal osteoarthrosis remains a common problem. Osteoarthritis of the carpal bones, including scapholunate advance collapse wrist, scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthritis, lunotriquetral arthritis, triquetrohamate arthritis, and pisotriquetral arthritis, follows specific unique patterns, but in each, the final common pathway leads to degenerative change. Injury or deformity leads to instability and altered kinematics, producing abnormal joint contact pressures. Cartilage injury and eventual degeneration of the join follow. The etiology, prevalence, and current evaluation and treatment of these conditions are of importance to hand surgeons.

Tenodesis of the extensor carpi ulnaris for chronic, post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability

We describe a technique of soft-tissue reconstruction which is effective for the treatment of chronic lunotriquetral instability. Part of extensor carpi ulnaris is harvested with its distal attachment preserved. It is passed through two drill holes in the triquetrum and sutured to itself. This stabilises the ulnar side of the wrist.

We have reviewed 46 patients who underwent this procedure for post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability with clinical signs suggestive of ulnar-sided carpal instability. Standard radiographs were normal. All patients had pre-operative arthroscopy of the wrist at which dynamic lunotriquetral instability was demonstrated. A clinical rating system for the wrist by the Mayo clinic was used to measure the outcome. In 19 patients the result was excellent, in ten good, in 11 satisfactory and in six poor. On questioning, 40 (87%) patients said that surgery had substantially improved the condition and that they would recommend the operation. However, six (13%) were unhappy with the outcome and would not undergo the procedure again for a similar problem. There were six complications, five of which related to pisotriquetral problems. The mean follow-up was 39.1 months (6 to 100). We believe that tenodesis of extensor carpi ulnaris is a very satisfactory procedure for isolated, chronic post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability in selected patients. In those with associated pathology, the symptoms were improved, but the results were less predictable.

[Ulnar instability of the carpus]

Ulnar instabilities of the carpus are rare findings depending on a dissociation of the lunotriquetral (LT-) junction. They are frequently not recognized or confused with ulnocarpal complaints of other origin due to missing typical clinical or radiological indications. The central structures are the os triquetrum and its connections to the os lunatum, the distal carpal row, radius and ulna. The most important causes are injuries, but degeneration, ulnar impaction syndrome or the ulna plus variant can also be involved. The symptoms are ulnar-sided pain, sensations of instability and weakness as well as "clunking" sensations in the ulnar wrist. Clinical examination may reveal tenderness in the LT-interval, between the ECU- and FCU-tendons, and displacement of the triquetrum on palpation. The LT-interval is rarely extended in conventional X-rays. A VISI position of the os lunatum is found in instabilities of higher degree. A distinct diagnosis is only achieved by arthroscopy. Conservative treatment consists of 4-8 weeks of arm immobilization. Diagnostic arthroscopy can be combined with débridement and/or closed reduction of the LT-interval with consecutive percutaneous k-wire fixation. If a repair of the LT-ligament is not possible, reconstructive methods are indicated. They include extrinsic tenodesis with part of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, ligamentoplasty or osteoligamentous autografts. The role of lunotriquetral arthrodesis is considered to be controversial, due to a high rate of non-fusions. Simple correction of the LT-dissociation does not resolve the static instability of the proximal row (VISI-position of the lunatum). In these cases, salvage procedures such as limited arthrodesis of the wrist, proximal row carpectomy or complete arthrodesis are indicated.

Athletic injuries of the wrist and hand. Part I: traumatic injuries of the wrist

Hand and wrist injuries in sports are some of the most common injuries reported. This review discusses briefly the causes of hand and wrist injuries in sports and discusses pertinent biomechanical findings regarding the range of motion required in different sports activities. The bulk of the review discusses specific traumatic and overuse injuries to the hand and wrist commonly seen in the athlete. Emphasis is placed on problematic traumatic injuries such as carpal scaphoid fractures and hook of the hamate fractures, as well as ligament injuries to the wrist with regard to diagnosis, treatment, and return to athletic competition.

Lunotriquetral arthrodesis using cancellous bone graft

Previous reports of lunotriquetral arthrodesis suggest relatively low rates of primary fusion without the use of permanent fixation and/or prolonged immobilization. We performed 26 lunotriquetral arthrodeses in 24 patients with a technique using cancellous bone graft to fill a biconcave space created in the adjoining bones with parallel K-wire fixation. The indications included symptomatic lunotriquetral instability and degenerative arthritis. All patients received conservative treatment before surgery. Primary fusion was achieved in all wrists in an average of 50 days. Postoperative wrist flexion/extension averaged 77%/80% of unaffected sides. Radial/ulnar deviation averaged 95%/91% of unaffected sides. Pain relief was good or very good in 83%. Eight-eight percent returned to the workforce. This study shows reliable, effective results with a technique that adheres to the principles of intercarpal arthrodesis and avoids permanent internal fixation.

Arthroscopic capsulodesis of the lunotriquetral joint

A case series consisting of 20 consecutive patients with persistent ulnar-sided mechanical wrist pain, lunotriquetral interosseous (LTIOL) ligament tears resulting in joint incongruity and increased laxity, and traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears was reviewed. Each patient underwent an arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) of the lunotriquetral joint, arthroscopic disk-carpal (disklunate-ulnocapitate-disktriquetral, DL-UC-DT) ligament plication, and TFCC repair or débridement. There were 12 right wrists and 8 left wrists, of which 12 were dominant. The mean patient age was 33 years; 7 patients had workers' compensation claims and 2 had legal claims. Fourteen patients recalled a specific injury mechanism, such as hyperextension or rotation. The accompanying traumatic TFCC tears were peripheral in 15 and linear radial in 6 patients (one patient had concomitant peripheral and radial linear tears), and in 6 cases, the palmar ulnocarpal extrinsic ligaments were partially torn. The mean preoperative modified Mayo Wrist Score was 50, and at a mean of 3.1 years after surgery, the score had increased to 88. There were 13 excellent, 5 good, and 2 fair results. Four patients had complications, including transient tenderness along the extensor carpi ulnaris and persistent neuritis of a dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. Overall wrist comfort and function, as indicated by the modified Mayo Wrist Scores, improved after arthroscopic stabilization of ulnar-sided wrist injuries (pinning of the lunotriquetral joint, disk-carpal ligament plication, and TFCC repair or débridement).

A trans STT, trans capitate perilunate dislocation of the carpus. A case report

We report a case of carpal injury not previously described, associating three lesions of the carpus secondary to a hyperextension mechanism: fracture of the capitate, scapho-trapezio-trapezoid sprain and lunotriquetral ligament rupture. The patient was operated by percutaneous pinning after closed reduction. The capitate fracture was not fixed. At follow-up, the patient had no restriction of his everyday activities and was very satisfied.

Lunotriquetral instability: diagnosis and treatment

Isolated injury of the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament complex and associated structures is less common and is poorly understood compared with the other proximal-row ligament injury, scapholunate dissociation. The spectrum of injuries ranges from isolated partial tears to frank dislocation, and from dynamic to static carpal instability. The diagnosis may be difficult to establish because of the many possible causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain and the often normal radiographic appearance. The mechanism of injury is variable and includes attrition by age, positive ulnar variance, and perilunate or reverse perilunate injury. Appropriate treatment requires assessment of the degree of instability and the chronicity of the injury. Options include corticosteroid injection, immobilization, ligament repair, ligament reconstruction with tendon grafts, limited intercarpal arthrodesis, and ulnar shortening.

Ligamentous injuries of the wrist in the athlete

Wrist instability most commonly results from ligamentous disruption between bones of the proximal carpal row. Scapholunate and lunotriquetral dissociation are forms of this instability pattern. Carpal instability can also occur due to loss of the normal ligamentous restraints between the carpal rows. Ulnar midcarpal instability is an example of this pattern. The treatment of wrist instability depends on the specific type and degree of carpal disruption and the presence or absence of degenerative changes. Options include soft-tissue reconstruction, partial wrist fusion, limited carpal bone excision, or a combination of methods.

Lunotriquetral ligament properties: a comparison of three anatomic subregions

The physical attributes of 3 subregions of the lunotriquetral ligament were tested in a computer-controlled multiaxis testing machine using 12 specimens. This allowed measurement of forces, moments, and displacements when ligaments were subjected to distraction, dorsopalmar translation, proximal-distal translation with a 20 N limit, and rotation with a 0.5 Nm limit. After an intact test run, selected subregions were cut randomly. Together with an additional 12 bone-ligament-bone complexes, specimens were tested to failure with servohydraulic load at 5 mm/s. The palmar subregion was thickest (2.3 +/- 0.3 mm), the dorsal and proximal progressively less. Intact rotational displacement was 35 degrees +/- 5.1 degrees, dorsopalmar displacement was 1.6 +/- 0.4 mm and 1.2 +/- 0.5 mm, respectively, proximal-distal displacement was 1.8 +/- 0.5 mm and 1.3 +/- 0.5 mm, respectively, and distractional displacement was 0.3 +/- 0.1 mm. The dorsal subregion provided 62.3% +/- 27.1% of the rotational resistance. The palmar subregion resisted 67.3% +/- 14.1% of palmar translation, while with dorsal translation both regions resisted equally. Rotational displacement increased 15.3 degrees +/- 5.6 degrees after dorsal subregion sectioning. The palmar component failure force was 301 +/- 36 N; the dorsal, 121 +/- 42 N; and the proximal, 64 +/- 14 N.

The lunotriquetral joint: kinematic effects of sequential ligament sectioning, ligament repair, and arthrodesis

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of sequential sectioning of the ligaments of the lunotriquetral (LT) joint and the effects of simulated repair or arthodesis on kinematics of the wrist joint using an x-ray stereophotogrammetric technique. A 3-dimensional coordinate software program calculated relative motion between bodies as screw axis displacement and rotation about each axis. Sectioning of the proximal and dorsal component of the LT ligament had little effect on carpal kinematics, but sectioning of the proximal and palmar components of the ligament resulted in flexion of both the lunate and triquetrum, producing a volar intercalated segment instability (VISI) pattern. The triquetrum supinated away from the lunate after sectioning of the entire LT ligament. Greater VISI occurred after sectioning the dorsal radiotriquetral and scaphotriquetral ligaments. Progressive destabilization of the LT joint results in increasing kinematic alterations; however, these may not exactly mimic the clinical situation. Moving the wrist through 1,000 cycles increased the instability. Dorsal repair of the LT ligament realigned the lunate and triquetrum, and LT fusion corrected triquetral supination. The latter, however, resulted in overcorrection into extension, which prevented a full wrist extension. The repair used may be insufficient to restore the palmar ligamentous integrity. Lunotriquetral arthodesis was difficult to simulate, providing some insight into the cause of clinical nonunions. Severe VISI is not correctable by repair or arthrodesis and requires further study using reconstructive procedures not discussed here.

Nonunion rates of limited carpal arthrodesis: a meta-analysis of the literature

Numerous types of limited intercarpal arthrodeses have been reported in dozens of articles in the English-language medical literature. The nonunion rate varies considerably within and between the different types of arthrodeses. This may be due in part to the small number of cases in most studies. The data on the number of good results and nonunion rates for 27 different types of limited carpal arthrodeses reported in the English-language medical literature from 1946 to 1993 were collected, and for each study, the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. The studies were then combined for specific types of arthrodeses and the overall nonunion rates and confidence intervals were calculated to more accurately determine the actual nonunion rate expected for limited intercarpal arthrodeses. Nonunion rates (95% CI) for the most popular types of limited arthrodeses were as follows: of 385 scaphotrapezium-trapezoid arthrodeses reported, there was a 14% nonunion rate (95% CI, 11%-18%); of 104 lunotriquetral arthrodeses, the nonunion rate was 27% (95% CI, 19%-36%); and of 17 scapholunate arthrodeses, the nonunion rate was 47% (95% CI, 26%-69%).

Lunotriquetral arthrodesis. A controversial procedure

12 male (mean age 28) and 11 female (mean age 32) patients treated with lunotriquetral (LT) arthrodesis were reviewed with a median follow-up of 28 months (range 18-40 months) for this retrospective study. At first presentation 12 patients were unable to work, and at follow-up only three men remained out of work. The relief of pain was significant (P < 0.001) and the median Culp (1993) wrist score obtained 74 (min. 45, max. 96); however, only one patient was totally free of pain and seven men had to change their occupations. Men lost 455 working days, women 191, a highly significant difference (P = 0.006). This loss correlated (P = 0.007) with the LT angle measured in the frontal plane: all patients but one with a LT angle of less than 31 degrees returned to work within 1 year, but only four with a greater angle (P = 0.007). This emphasizes the importance of correct positioning of the triquetrum, which seems hard to achieve with two AO lag screws. Furthermore, even two screws seem unable to ensure solid fusion as shown by the high rate of pseudarthrosis (57%). LT fusion cannot be considered as a routine procedure and results are not yet predictable. According to these results, we feel that a bone graft placed in a slot from lunate to triquetrum is the procedure of choice. In the presence of a chondromalacia in the ulnar midcarpal joint, a four bone fusion is primarily recommended.

Analysis of carpal instability: I. Description of the scheme

There is a lack of a generally agreed analysis of carpal instability that can assist in the diagnosis, give guidelines for treatment, and ensure unity when reporting results of treatment. Based on the literature and using six categories describing chronicity, constancy, etiology, location, direction, and pattern of the instability, we present a proposal for a standardized analysis. Using this analysis, an instability should be presented with information in all six categories. The analysis may be expanded and developed according to future needs.

Arthrography of the wrist. Assessment of the integrity of the ligaments in young asymptomatic adults

Fifty-two asymptomatic adults who were between twenty and thirty-five years old had arthrography of the wrist with use of a single injection into the radiocarpal joint. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the integrity of the triangular fibrocartilage, the scapholunate ligament, and the lunotriquetral ligament. Contrast medium was injected under fluoroscopic guidance, and posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the wrist were made after the subjects had performed exercises of the wrist. No patient who had a history of trauma to the wrist, pain in the wrist, or inflammatory arthritis was included in the study. All of the subjects had an examination of both upper extremities that included measurement of the active motion of the wrist with a goniometer, strength-testing with a Jamar dynamometer, ballottement and testing for impingement, and palpation for tenderness. Plain radiographs were evaluated, and the ulnar variance was recorded. The arthrograms revealed an abnormal communication of the contrast medium in fourteen wrists (27 per cent), and four of the fourteen had multiple areas of communication. The abnormal communication was through the triangular fibrocartilage alone in six wrists, the scapholunate ligament alone in two wrists, the lunotriquetral ligament alone in two wrists, and in more than one of these areas in four wrists. A positive arthrogram was associated with a greater positive ulnar variance. All of the subjects had symmetrical motion of the wrists and grip strength, and none of them had tenderness in the wrist. There were no complications related to the arthrography. Perforation of a ligament in the wrist is common in young asymptomatic adults.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)