Scapholunate Repairs and Recovery
Study Results - A study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online found that scapholunate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation showed favorable short-term results, including improvements in pain, function, satisfaction, and carpal alignment at greater than one year postoperatively.
Technique Details - The Arthrex Internal Brace technique is used to augment primary repair by expanding tissue approximation during healing, providing high-strength fixation without replacing the native ligament.
Research Findings - The study involved 14 repairs among 13 patients, showing stable radiographic measurements and no radiocarpal arthritic changes over a mean follow-up of 41 months.
Functional Improvement - Patients reported improved wrist range of motion and grip strength, with a decrease in scapholunate gap and angle, indicating better wrist stability.
Patient Satisfaction - The mean QuickDASH and Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation scores were low, indicating high patient satisfaction and functional improvement.
Surgical Technique
Procedure Overview - The Arthrex scapholunate repair involves using a biologic graft and SutureTape to augment the repair, providing immediate strength and stability.
InternalBrace - This technique is designed to support the primary repair by expanding the area of tissue approximation, not replacing the native ligament.
Fixation Method - The procedure uses a 3.5 mm DX SwiveLock SL Anchor for knotless fixation, enhancing the durability of the repair.
Healing Support - The Internal Brace technique is intended for soft tissue-to-bone fixation, aiding in the healing process by providing additional support.
Study Outcomes
Study Design - The study assessed outcomes for patients who underwent scapholunate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation, with a follow-up period of at least one year.
Sample Size - The research included 14 repairs among 13 patients, providing a comprehensive analysis of the technique's effectiveness
Radiographic Stability - Radiographic measurements remained stable from immediate to latest follow-up, with no signs of radiocarpal arthritis.
SL Gap and Angle - The scapholunate gap decreased from 5.33 mm to 3.34 mm, and the SL angle decreased from 79.5 degrees to 67.3 degrees, indicating improved alignment.
Functional Scores - The mean QuickDASH score was 6.1, and the Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation score was 9.6, reflecting significant functional improvement.
Patient Feedback
Satisfaction Levels - Patients reported high satisfaction with the procedure, citing improvements in pain and function.
Grip Strength - Post-surgery evaluations showed enhanced grip strength, contributing to better overall wrist function.
Range of Motion - Patients experienced improved wrist range of motion, facilitating daily activities and reducing discomfort.
Pain Reduction - The procedure effectively reduced pain levels, contributing to a higher quality of life for patients.
Overall Improvement - The combination of reduced pain, increased strength, and improved motion led to positive patient feedback.