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The scapholunate ligament is a ligament of the wrist.
Contents
The scapholunate ligament is an intraarticular ligament binding the scaphoid and lunate bones of the wrist together. It is divided into three areas, dorsal, proximal and palmar, with the dorsal segment being the strongest part. It is the main stabilizer of the scaphoid. In contrast to the scapholunate ligament, the lunotriquetral ligament is more prominent on the palmar side.
Clinical significance
Complete rupture of this ligament leads to wrist instability, termed scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC). The instability can be either dynamic in nature which typically cannot be seen on X-Ray, or static which can be seen on X-Ray. The Watson's test may be used in diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment will vary depending upon the degree of injury and can range from observation, through to surgical reconstruction of the wrist.