Mid-Term Results of the Use of a Suture Anchor Fixation for Chronic Reducible Scapholunate Dissociation

Background: Scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is a common and sometimes disabling ligamentous injury of the wrist. The aim of the treatment is to restore carpal alignment and to prevent joint degeneration. In the current study, we reported mid-term results of our technique using suture anchor fixation within the SL interface. Methods: Nine male patients with an average age of 35 years underwent scapholunate suture anchor fixation (SLAF) for chronic and symptomatic dynamic or reducible static SLD from 2011 to 2016 with a mean follow-up of 36 months. After dorsal wrist exposure, a 2.8 mm suture anchor was inserted in the dorsoproxirnal lateral articular surface of the lunate bone. The two ends of the sutures were passed through the two divergent canals in the scaphoid. The sutures were tied over the tuberosity after reducing the SL alignment. Two K-wires supported SL and scaphocapitate (SC) alignment for 8 weeks. Radiographic parameters, wrist range of motion and grip strength were measured. Quick-DASH and Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) were used to assess the functional outcome. Results: The grip strength and passive motion reached to 75% and 88% of the other side, respectively. The SL gap was 5.4 mm, 2.6 mm and 3.4 mm before surgery, after pin removal, and on the follow-up stress radiographs, respectively. The SL angle was 82, 52 and 65 degrees at any time point, respectively. Average Quick-DASH score was improved from 60 to 25. According to MMWS score, one patient was excellent, one was good, five were fair, and two were poor. Conclusions: SLAF is a simple technique with minimal soft tissue manipulation that enables correction and maintaining of the carpal alignment with favorable mid-term results.