Scapholunate Ligament Repair in Dubai
(SL)

Scapholunate Ligament Repair in Dubai

Scapholunate (SL) injuries refer to damage to the ligament that connects the scaphoid and lunate bones in the wrist. This ligament is crucial for wrist stability and function, and injuries to the SL joint can cause pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the wrist.

Causes of Scapholunate Ligament Injury

These injuries can occur as a result of several different causes, including:

Trauma: The most common cause of scapholunate injuries is trauma, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the wrist. This can cause the ligament to tear or stretch beyond its limits, leading to instability in the wrist.

Repetitive Stress: Overuse or repetitive stress can also contribute to scapholunate injuries. This can occur in athletes or individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as tennis players, gymnasts, or construction workers.

Degenerative Conditions: Certain degenerative conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, can weaken the ligament and make it more susceptible to injury.

Congenital Abnormalities: In some cases, scapholunate injuries can be caused by congenital abnormalities or malformations in the wrist bones.

Ligament Laxity: Some individuals may have naturally loose ligaments, which can increase the risk of scapholunate injuries.

Overall, scapholunate injuries are often the result of a combination of factors, including trauma, overuse, and underlying conditions or abnormalities.

How is Scapholunate Ligament Repair Performed

Treatment for SL injuries depends on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, rest, ice, and physical therapy exercises may be enough to help the ligament heal and reduce symptoms. However, in moderate to severe cases, more extensive treatment may be necessary. Here are some treatment options:

Immobilization: In moderate to severe cases of SL injury, immobilizing the wrist with a splint or cast may be necessary to allow the ligament to heal properly.

Surgery: In cases where the ligament is severely damaged or completely torn, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the ligament. This can involve reattaching the ligament with sutures or using a graft to replace the damaged tissue.

There are several types of surgical procedures used to repair scapholunate injuries, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s specific needs. Some of the most common types of scapholunate repair surgery include:

• Ligament reconstruction involves using a graft, typically from the patient’s wrist or forearm, to replace the damaged scapholunate ligament. The graft is typically threaded through tunnels drilled in the scaphoid and lunate bones to reattach the ligament and provide stability to the wrist.
• It may be possible to repair the damaged scapholunate ligament using sutures or other techniques. This approach is typically reserved for less severe injuries or cases where the ligament is partially torn but still intact.
• Fusion of the scaphoid may be necessary in cases where the scapholunate injury is severe and irreparable. This involves fusing the scaphoid and lunate bones together using bone grafts or metal hardware to create a stable joint.
• Partial wrist fusion may be possible in some cases, which involves fusing the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetral bones together to create a stable joint while preserving some range of motion in the wrist.

The choice of surgical approach will depend on several factors, including the severity of the scapholunate injury, the patient’s age and activity level, and the presence of any underlying conditions or injuries in the wrist.

Rehabilitation Exercises: After immobilization or surgery, rehabilitation exercises are important to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the wrist joint. A physical therapist can design an individualized exercise program to meet each patient’s needs.

Overall, early diagnosis and treatment of SL injuries is important to prevent long-term complications such as arthritis or chronic pain.