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
