Scapholunate Ligament Injury
An injury to an important wrist ligament that coordinates motion between the scaphoid and lunate bones.
What happens
The scapholunate ligament helps the scaphoid and lunate move as a coordinated unit. A partial or complete tear can alter wrist mechanics.
Symptoms
Pain may be felt on the back or thumb side of the wrist, especially during loading, push-ups, gripping or extension. Clicking, weakness or a sense of giving way may occur.
Diagnosis
Clinical tests assess tenderness and abnormal movement. Standard and stress X-rays can show widening or altered angles, while MRI or wrist arthroscopy may be used when the diagnosis remains uncertain.
Early treatment
Selected partial or stable injuries may be treated with immobilisation, activity modification and therapy.
When surgery is considered
Acute complete tears, clear instability and symptomatic chronic injuries may require repair, reconstruction or other stabilising procedures depending on timing and cartilage condition.
Why timing matters
Chronic abnormal motion can lead to progressive degenerative change in the wrist, so persistent symptoms after a ‘sprain’ deserve proper assessment.