Mid-term results of ligament tenodesis in treatment of scapholunate dissociation: a retrospective study of 20 patients

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the modified Brunelli technique for the treatment of chronic irreparable complete scapholunate ligament rupture, causing a reducible carpal malalignment without secondary osteoarthritis. A total of 20 patients were treated using this technique. At a mean follow-up period of 24 months (range 6–53, SD 15), pain on a visual analogue scale had improved from 6 (range 3–10) to 3 (range 0–7). Function measured with the DASH score had improved from 37 (range 11–90) to 20 (range 0–53). Range of motion was reduced in flexion by a mean of 19° (range 10–45), and in extension by a mean of 14° (range 0–35). Mean grip strength at last follow-up was 81% of the uninjured hand (range 50–100%) Three patients developed scapholunate advanced collapse (stage II) requiring salvage surgery. Scapholunate ligament reconstruction with the modified Brunelli technique showed satisfactory results in this study. Extended studies are needed to determine the long-term benefits of this reconstructive procedure. Level of evidence: IV.