Abstract
Background
Scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury is a common ligamentous injury of the wrist; however, the optimal operative management strategy remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate patient outcomes following the Reduction and Association of the Scaphoid and Lunate (RASL) procedure.
Materials and Methods
Twenty-five consecutive patients who had an SLIL tear treated with RASL completed a demographic survey and three standardized patient-reported outcome tools (Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand [DASH], Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation [PRWE], and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System, Upper Extremity [PROMIS] questionnaires). Standard wrist radiographs were taken preoperatively and postoperatively and bilateral wrist range of motion was measured.
Results
At an average postsurgical time of 4.6 years, the average DASH score was 10.5 with a right-skewed distribution. There was no correlation between screw angle, preoperative scapholunate angle, or time from surgery and DASH score.
Conclusion
We conclude that with meticulous surgical technique, patient reported and radiographic outcomes demonstrate the relative success of the RASL procedure as a viable option for SLIL reconstruction in appropriate candidates.
Level of Evidence
Level IV evidence—a retrospective cohort study.
Keywords
RASL - scapholunate ligament disruption - scapholunate - carpal instability
