07/12/2023
The scapholunate (SL) ligament is the primary stabiliser of the scaphoid and lunate bones. SL injuries commonly occur with falls onto an outstretched hand into extension and ulnar deviation but can also occur from repetitive use, hypermobility or arthritic changes.
Traumatic SL injuries can occur with or without fractures to surrounding bones and are commonly missed in acute radiology. Ongoing dorsal radial wrist pain, especially with radial and ulnar deviation or weight bearing, and clicking are common symptoms. When SL injury is suspected, in addition to static and dynamic radiographs, hand therapists perform provocative tests to assess for pain and instability, including the Watson’s shift test.
Depending on the severity of pain or instability, SL injuries may be managed with splinting or taping, wrist stabilisation and proprioception exercises. In the presence of full tears, surgical repair or reconstruction may be required followed by splinting and therapy.