23/03/2023
Common wrist sprain which gets ignored very often;
The scapholunate ligament is a critical structure in the wrist that helps to hold the scaphoid and lunate bones together. A strain or tear of this ligament can result in significant wrist pain, instability, and decreased function. Pain over back of the wrist, immediate attention is needed!!
The management of scapholunate ligament strain depends on the severity of the injury.
Conservative treatment: If the injury is mild, a period of immobilization with a splint or cast may be recommended. This allows the ligament to heal and the wrist to rest. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help restore range of motion and strength in the wrist.
Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the ligament. This may involve using a tendon graft to replace the damaged ligament. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatment has failed or where there is significant instability of the wrist.
Regardless of the treatment approach, it is important to follow a rehabilitation program to ensure optimal healing and recovery. This may involve working with a physical therapist to perform exercises to restore range of motion and strength in the wrist. Patients should also avoid activities that may put additional stress on the injured ligament, such as heavy lifting or repetitive wrist motions.
