Frequency of Scapholunate Ligament Injuries Associated with Distal Radius Shearing Fracture: Correlation of Fracture Patterns and Ligament Tear.

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study assessed the prevalence and outcome of intercarpal ligament injuries in non-osteoporotic patients with AO/ASIF classification type B distal radius shearing fractures treated with or without scapholunate temporary fixation.

METHODS

Fifteen patients (mean age, 33 years) were analyzed according to their scapholunate ligament status at the time of injury and graded with a modified Geissler classification system. Each patient's postoperative pain and occupational status were assessed in the context of the Modified Mayo wrist score. Second-look arthroscopy was performed for all cases.

RESULTS

Scapholunate ligament injuries were present in 14 of 15 type B fractures. Surgical outcomes yielded an improvement in the Mayo wrist score with pinning in cases involving grade 3 or 4 scapholunate injuries. Two cases without pinning had a worse score, as well as a persistent scapholunate tear that was not healed at second-look arthroscopy after eight postoperative months. However, in grade 1 or 2 scapholunate injuries, the Mayo wrist score did not differ between those treated with and without pinning.

CONCLUSIONS

Scapholunate ligament injury is an important risk factor associated with high-energy distal radius shearing fractures. To prevent these problems, temporary scapholunate joint fixation is a recommended treatment for grade 3 or 4 scapholunate injuries.