Scapholunate stabilization with dynamic extensor carpi radialis longus tendon transfer

Dynamic extensor carpi radialis longus tendon transfer to the distal pole of the scaphoid acts synchronously and synergistically with wrist motion to restore the slider crank mechanism of the scaphoid after scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury. The procedure is designed to simulate a hypothetical dorsal radioscaphoid ligament that more closely approximates the normal viscoelastic forces acting on the scaphoid throughout all phases of wrist motion than does the static checkrein effect and motion limitations of capsulodesis or tenodesis. Extensor carpi radialis longus transfer may be independently sufficient to support normal or near-normal scapholunate and midcarpal kinematics and prevent further injury propagation in patients with partial SLIL tears and dynamic scapholunate instability. Extensor carpi radialis longus transfer alone may improve carpal congruity in patients with static scapholunate instability, but SLIL and dorsal lunate ligament repair or reconstruction is essential for favorable durable outcomes. Extensor carpi radialis longus transfer offers a simple and reasonable alternative to capsulodesis or tenodesis to support these ligament repairs or reconstructions, does not require intercarpal fixation, and allows rehabilitation to proceed expeditiously at approximately 1 month after surgery.     

Outcomes of dorsal capsulodesis and tenodesis for treatment of scapholunate instability

PURPOSE: The ideal treatment for scapholunate (SL) instability has not yet been established. This study examined the results of 2 procedures for the primary treatment for chronic SL dissociation of dorsal capsulodesis and flexor carpi radialis tenodesis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted that examined dorsal capsulodesis and tenodesis procedures performed for chronic SL instability between January 1995 and February of 2003. Twenty-nine patients were identified with isolated chronic SL instability. Of the 29 patients, 14 had a dorsal capsulodesis procedure and 15 had a tenodesis procedure. The follow-up period averaged 38 months in the capsulodesis group and 36 months in the tenodesis group. Results were reviewed clinically and radiographically. Groups were compared with a Student t test. RESULTS: Postoperative wrist motion decreased in both groups after surgery. Final wrist range of motion was 64% of the unaffected side in the capsulodesis group and 63% of the unaffected side in the tenodesis group. Postoperative grip strength remained unchanged in both groups; grip strength measured 91% of the unaffected side in the capsulodesis group and 87% of the unaffected side in the tenodesis group. The average Mayo wrist scores were 77 in the capsulodesis group and 74 in the tenodesis group. One frank failure occurred in the tenodesis group resulting in a wrist fusion. There was no statistical difference in the overall wrist motion, grip strength, or wrist scores between the capsulodesis and tenodesis groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal capsulodesis and tenodesis provided improvement in symptoms for patients with chronic SL instability. Both procedures appear to provide similar results in the treatment of this difficult problem.     

Scapholunate ligament repair with capsulodesis reinforcement

The typical presentation of an acute scapholunate dislocation is swelling, pain, and deformity following acute trauma to the wrist. Radiographs corroborate a gross disturbance of carpal relationships. In a dorsal perilunate dislocation, the lateral radiograph shows the longitudinal axis of the capitate dorsal to the longitudinal axis of the radius and the proximal pole of the scaphoid rotated dorsally. A scapholunate angle of greater than 70 degrees on the lateral view is 1 accepted radiographic criterion for identifying an acute scapholunate dissociation. In the posterior-anterior (PA) projection, the carpus is foreshortened. A scapholunate interval of >2 mm is seen on the PA x-ray (Terry Thomas sign). The lunate is triangular instead of quadrangular in shape. Although closed reduction is possible, maintaining an anatomical reduction is extremely difficult. Therefore, all of these injuries require open reduction and internal fixation and repair of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. Although originally advocated for the treatment of some forms of chronic scapholunate dislocations (>3 months old), dorsal capsulodesis can be useful to reinforce the scapholunate interosseous ligament repair in the subacute setting (>3 weeks old).     

软组织重建舟月骨间韧带治疗慢性舟月分离的影像学改变

目的 观察背侧腕骨间韧带关节囊固定术和3-韧带肌腱固定术治疗慢性舟月分离术后腕关节的影像学改变,明确术后舟月分离复发的比例及时间.方法 自2008年1月至2011年1月,共治疗慢性舟月分离患者23例,19例行背侧腕骨间韧带关节囊固定术,4例行3-韧带肌腱固定术.平均随访10.1个月.分别记录术前、拔针后1个月和末次随访时的影像学和临床结果.在手术前后采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analog scale,VAS)和DASH表格问卷评估主观的疼痛程度、功能改善和患者满意度.结果 影像学结果显示,所有患者腕骨的排列异常在手术中均获得完全纠正.拔针后1个月,舟月间隙平均为4 mm、舟月角平均为75°,舟月间隙和舟月角较术前改善,但61％患者的舟月间隙、52％患者的舟月角恢复至术前水平.末次随访时,舟月间隙平均为4,3 mm、舟月角平均为78°,舟月间隙和舟月角较拔针后1个月时畸形加重,但与术前比较差异无统计学意义.临床结果显示,腕关节屈曲和背伸分别从术前为健侧的66％和69％降至术后的52％和50％.握力从健侧的71％降至66％.结论 背侧腕骨间韧带关节囊固定术和3-韧带肌腱固定术后慢性舟月分离多在短期内复发,拔针后1个月时超过半数病例的舟月分离恢复至术前水平,治疗慢性舟月分离的理想手术方式仍不得而知.     

Capsulodesis of the wrist for scapholunate dissociation

We have had favorable results with our early experience using the Mayo modification of the dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis. Our early experience with this technique has shown improvement in carpal alignment and pain relief with the tradeoff of a mild loss of wrist flexion. These results compare with reported results of the various capsulodesis techniques in evolution. Attention must also be paid as to the stage of dissociation at time of surgery. Dynamic dissociation has been treated with capsulodesis alone, whereas a combination of ligament repair in conjunction with dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis is used to treat both dynamic and static variants. Many other investigators report improvements in scapholunate alignment and improvement in pain relief and function with a loss of wrist flexion as a tradeoff. However, despite technical advances in surgical technique and intraoperative improvement of alignment and gapping, these results may diminish by the 2- to 3-year postoperative period. Scapholunate interosseous injuries remain a challenging problem to even experienced hand and upper extremity surgeons. The Mayo modification of the modified dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis is a technique that may be added to the armamentarium of treatment of this pathologic entity.     

Scapholunate interosseous ligament disruption in professional basketball players: treatment by direct repair and dorsal ligamentoplasty

In the authors' experience scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) disruption with resultant scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is the most frequent disabling carpal injury among professional basketball players. Prompt diagnosis, precision surgical repair, and intensive sport-specific rehabilitation are requisites for optimal recovery. This article reports the techniques and results of a consistent surgical protocol comprising accurate carpal reduction, direct SLIL repair, and dorsal intercarpal ligament augmentation for 25 professional basketball players with disabling SLD. Follow-up assessment supports the contention that early surgery, prior to scar contracture, facilitates treatment and enhances outcome.     

创伤性腕关节不稳定手术治疗

目的 报道创伤性腕不稳定的手术方法。方法 16例腕不稳定中,表现为舟月骨分离6例,以腕背侧镶嵌不稳定(DISI)为主10例。对于舟月骨分离及DISI采用舟月骨间韧带重建手术6例,舟月头骨固定手术3例;对于DISI采用背侧关节囊固定术3例,桡骨远端截骨矫正术4例。结果 术后观察1至2年患者疼痛明显缓解,手握力提高,日常生活满意度改善,功能较术前恢复。结论积极采取手术治疗腕不稳定,重建损伤韧带或纠正畸形,是治疗腕关节不稳定有效的方法。     

Occult scapholunate ganglion: a cause of dorsal radial wrist pain

There are multiple causes for chronic dorsal wrist pain over the scapholunate ligament, including occult dorsal carpal ganglion cyst, scaphoid impaction syndrome, dorsal carpal capsulitis, distal posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, and dynamic scapholunate ligament instability. Patients with such pain often have normal x-rays. A retrospective study of 21 patients undergoing surgical exploration for chronic dorsal radial wrist pain who had no palpable cyst and normal x-rays revealed that 18 of the patients had occult scapholunate ganglion cysts or myxomatous degeneration within the scapholunate ligament. All had failed long-term conservative management. Surgery involved an approach through Langer's lines, resection of a large triangular portion of the capsule between the dorsal intercarpal and radiotriquetral ligaments, and tangential debridement of the area of myxoid degeneration proximal to the distal 2 to 3 mm of dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament. None of the patients had scapholunate instability or scaphoid impacting syndrome. Of the 18 patients with histologically confirmed myxomatous changes in the scapholunate ligament, 16 had an excellent outcome as defined by rigorous criteria; 1 had a good outcome. There was 1 patient with a poor result. A compelling argument is made for surgical exploration of the scapholunate joint in patients with persistent dorsal radial wrist pain and scapholunate point tenderness.     

Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for scapholunate dissociation: biomechanical analysis in a cadaver model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in cadavers a new method for treating scapholunate dissociations, dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis (DILC), and to compare its performance with that of a previously described soft tissue reconstruction, Blatt capsulodesis (BC). A cadaver model was used to simulate normal and abnormal wrist motions. The positions of the scaphoid and lunate and their changes with wrist motion and ligament condition were recorded using biplanar radiographs taken posteroanteriorly and laterally. The scapholunate gap was measured on the posteroanterior radiographs and the scapholunate angle was measured on the lateral view radiographs. Following scapholunate interosseous ligament sectioning, a diastasis developed between the scaphoid and lunate that was maximum in the clenched fist position 2.1 +/- 0.33 mm (mean +/- SEM) with the ligament intact versus 8.0 +/- 1.74 mm after the ligament was sectioned. Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis reduced gap formation more than BC, including when the specimens were in the clenched fist position: increased gap versus intact specimens equals 1.0 mm for DILC versus 3.7 mm for BC. The differences in diastasis were statistically significant between BC and DILC when the wrist was in extension, radial deviation, and clenched fist positions. After the scapholunate interosseous ligament was divided, the scaphoid flexed relative to the lunate. Both capsulodeses improved scapholunate alignment and there was a trend for DILC to correct the scapholunate angle more than BC. The results demonstrate that DILC is an attractive alternative to BC ex vivo. Because DILC does not tether the scaphoid to the distal radius, as BC does, improved wrist motion, especially flexion, might be possible in vivo. The use of DILC in the treatment of scapholunate dissociation warrants further investigation and clinical trials.     

Current status of scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries.

Injuries to the scapholunate complex present the surgeon with both diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. The anatomic features, biomechanical properties, radiographic appearance, and surgical treatment algorithms of this small but structurally and kinematically important joint continue to be refined. A thorough history and physical examination, combined with a radiographic evaluation that can include plain radiographs, tomography, motion studies, arthrography, or MRI, usually will define the nature of the ligament injury. Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for complete evaluation of scapholunate interosseous ligament injury and often is performed as a first step before repair or reconstruction. Procedures such as carpal fusions or capsulodesis can limit excessive scaphoid motion, promote wrist stability, and potentially prevent arthritis, but advances continue to be made in direct scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction. Challenges for the future involve improving noninvasive evaluation, defining the degree of extrinsic ligament injury, and improving direct repair and reconstruction.     

Management of chronic scapholunate ligament injury

Scapholunate ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the wrist and requires accurate diagnosis and treatment. It presents with pain, stiffness and can lead to carpal instability as well as degenerative arthritis if left untreated, with subsequent loss of function and disability. There are several management options currently available but there is no consensus on how best to manage a wrist with chronic sequelae of scapholunate ligament injury. This review explores available evidence in the literature on optimal treatment options including non-operative and operative procedures, relevant surgical techniques and their associated outcomes. A summary of the current concepts in the management of Chronic Scapholunate ligament injury is presented.     

Scapholunate ligament injuries: a review of current concepts

Injuries to the scapholunate ligament are common, especially among young active individuals. Surgeons are faced with a difficult problem because of imperfect surgical outcomes and the high demands of this patient population. Here, we review the current concepts and newest literature on scapholunate ligament injuries as well as the classification and treatment options for each stage of scapholunate instability. Emphasis is on stages in which reconstructive rather than salvage procedures can be performed. The natural history is poorly understood; it is unknown which and how many scapholunate injuries lead to wrist arthritis (SLAC wrist). Partial injuries are rare and in small studies did well with arthroscopic treatment. Complete injuries are graded based on the acuity of the injury, the presence and reducibility of scapholunate malalignment, and, finally, cartilage status. In acute injuries, anatomic repair usually leads to satisfactory results, and many authors augment the repair with a capsulodesis technique. In chronic injuries, the presence of static malalignment usually leads to inferior outcomes. Various techniques have been devised and improved over the years. These techniques appear to provide a more anatomic reconstruction, with less loss of motion; motion is 60–80 % of the contralateral side and grip strength averages 65–90 %. Once there is cartilage loss, the surgeon only has salvage procedures to choose from, tailored to the degree of arthritis.     

Dorsal wrist ligament insertions stabilize the scapholunate interval: cadaver study

This study examined sequential arthroscopic sectioning of volar, interosseous, and dorsal ligaments about the scapholunate complex in cadaver wrists. We attempted to clarify the contributions of the dorsal ligamentous complex to scapholunate instability and carpal collapse. We found that after sequential sectioning of volar ligaments and the scapholunate interosseous ligament, no scapholunate diastasis or excessive scaphoid flexion occurred. After dividing the dorsal intercarpal ligament, scapholunate instability occurred without carpal collapse. With sectioning of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament from the lunate, a dorsal intercalated scapholunate instability deformity ensued. This information may be of value in comprehending the pathogenesis of scapholunate instability and carpal collapse and in devising the rationales for conservative measures and surgical intervention.     

A survey of the surgical management of acute and chronic scapholunate instability

PURPOSE: Scapholunate instability is a challenging problem and controversy persists among hand surgeons with respect to treatment choice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of practice among specialized hand surgeons in the management of both acute and chronic scapholunate instability. METHODS: A mailed survey study was sent to the 1,628 members of the American and Canadian Societies for Surgery of the Hand. Hand surgeons were asked to complete a comprehensive management questionnaire that examined a surgeon's treatment algorithm in the clinical case of acute and chronic scapholunate instability. The algorithm included the choices of further investigation, timing of surgery, surgical approach, surgical procedure, fixation, and predicted outcome. RESULTS: Of the 468 hand surgeons who responded to the survey the vast majority elected to perform surgery when confronted with a case of scapholunate instability. Early surgical intervention within 6 weeks of injury using an open dorsal approach was favored in both acute and chronic cases. The preferred surgical procedure in the acute case was scapholunate repair combined with a capsulodesis followed by scapholunate ligament repair alone. Favored management of the chronic case included Blatt capsulodesis alone, capsulodesis combined with a scapholunate ligament repair, or scaphotrapezium-trapezoid arthrodesis. A majority of surgeons used K-wire fixation, especially of the scapholunate and scaphocapitate in both acute and chronic cases. CONCLUSIONS: This survey confirms a consensus for the early soft tissue surgical management of acute scapholunate instability using a scapholunate ligament repair with or without a capsulodesis. The management of chronic scapholunate instability is highly variable among respondents and the choice of either a soft tissue or bony procedure may depend to a large extent on intraoperative findings.     

Arthroscopic debridement and closed pinning for chronic dynamic scapholunate instability

PURPOSE: For chronic dynamic scapholunate (SL) instability (>3 months after injury) open procedures (capsulodesis, limited intercarpal fusions, tenodesis, SL ligament reconstruction) have become popular in recent years but their long-term results have been suboptimal. We evaluated retrospectively the results of aggressive arthroscopic debridement of the SL ligament to bleeding bone in an effort to induce scar formation and closed pinning of the SL joint in patients unwilling to have an open procedure. METHODS: Eleven patients (mean age, 37 y) presenting with persistent posttraumatic pain and weakness to the wrist were diagnosed with dynamic SL instability (positive Watson scaphoid shift test result, SL gapping on grip-view radiographs, arthroscopic findings of a Geissler grade III or IV SL tear) and treated. Range of motion, grip strength, radiographic measurements, and the Mayo wrist score were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 33 months (range, 12-76 mo). Three patients had subsequent surgery 9 to 11 months after the procedure. Subsequent surgeries included a dorsal capsulodesis, a four-corner fusion, and a wrist arthrodesis. Of the 8 remaining patients there were 2 excellent, 4 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result based on the Mayo wrist score. In these patients the mean range of motion was 65 degrees of extension to 59 degrees of flexion and the mean grip strength was 82% of the uninjured contralateral extremity. Although persistent radiographic SL gapping in grip views was noted in all 8 patients none progressed to static instability or dorsal intercalated segment instability. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this technique are suboptimal; however, it may be an option for patients unwilling to have more than an arthroscopic procedure or those requiring maintenance of wrist motion, provided they understand the risks and benefits of this approach. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Capsulodesis for the treatment of chronic scapholunate instability

PURPOSE: Scapholunate (SL) instability is the most common form of carpal instability. The treatment of this disorder is challenging and varying treatment options have been described. The purpose of this study was to examine the intermediate-term results of dorsal capsulodesis for cases of chronic SL dissociation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted that examined all dorsal capsulodesis procedures performed for chronic SL dissociation between January of 1990 and February of 2000. Wrist pain had to be present for greater than 3 months. Patients had to have a minimum follow-up period of 2 years for inclusion in the study. Thirty-one patients were identified with isolated chronic SL dissociation. Of the 31 patients 18 had dynamic carpal instability and 13 had static carpal instability. The time from injury to surgery averaged 20 months. The follow-up period averaged 54 months (range, 24-96 mo). All patients had a dorsal capsulodesis procedure using either a Blatt or Mayo technique. Results were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Static and dynamic groups were compared with a Student t test. RESULTS: There was a 20% decrease in wrist motion after capsulodesis. There was no improvement in grip strength after surgery. Most patients had improvement in pain but only 2 patients were completely pain free. Radiographically the SL gap increased over time from 2.7 mm before surgery to 3.9 mm at the final follow-up evaluation. The SL angle also increased from 56 degrees before surgery to 62 degrees on final follow-up evaluation. There was no statistical difference in overall wrist motion, grip strength, or wrist score between the dynamic and static groups. The time to surgery and age had no significant effect on overall outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal capsulodesis provided pain relief for patients with both dynamic and static SL instability. Although pain was improved it was not completely resolved in the majority of cases. From a radiographic perspective dorsal capsulodesis did not provide maintenance of carpal alignment in cases of chronic SL dissociation.     

Surgical technique for the treatment of radial wrist pain.

Chronic radial wrist pain with no radiographic evidence of scapholunate instability or other wrist disease can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Our purpose was to evaluate the results of an operation to treat chronic radial or periscaphoid wrist pain that has failed to respond to conservative treatment. We examined the scapholunate ligament and performed a dorsal capsulodesis. One hundred-and-two patients were reviewed retrospectively. Casenotes were available for 88 patients. Function, pain, range of movement (ROM), and grip and pinch strengths were evaluated. Twenty (23%) of the patients were found to have a scapholunate ligament tear of 0-30%, 55 (61%) had a tear of 30%-60%, and 14 (16%) had a tear of 60%-100%. Mean postoperative grip strength was 29.5 kg (80% of the normal side). Postoperative range of movement was significantly limited in flexion compared with the normal side. All patients returned to their previous employment. Seventy (80%) of the patients described improvement in pain and function. Twenty-two (25%) required further operation on the same wrist. This procedure may be indicated in patients with chronic radial wrist pain and no overt instability that is resistant to conservative treatment. It has minimal morbidity and gives good results.     

Long-term outcomes of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for chronic scapholunate dissociation

PURPOSE: Chronic scapholunate dissociation is the most common cause of symptomatic wrist instability. In an attempt to restore normal carpal mechanics and prevent wrist arthrosis, we developed and tested biomechanically the dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis (DILC). Previously, we reported good early clinical results for this procedure at an average follow-up period of 25 months. Here, we report on the functional and radiographic outcomes at a longer follow-up period of a minimum of 5 years. METHODS: Records of patients undergoing the DILC for chronic (greater than 6 weeks), flexible, static scapholunate dissociation were reviewed. Only patients with follow-up evaluation of greater than 60 months were included. Physical examination, radiographs, and validated outcome instruments were used to evaluate the patients. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (22 wrists) met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen of 21 patients (16 wrists) were available for follow-up evaluation. Average follow-up period was 86 months. Physical examination revealed average wrist flexion and extension of 50 degrees and 55 degrees , respectively, radial and ulnar deviation of 17 degrees and 36 degrees , respectively, and grip strength of 43 kgf. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Short Form-12, and Mayo wrist scores averaged 19, 78, and 78, respectively. Radiographs revealed an average scapholunate angle and gap of 62 degrees and 3.5 mm, respectively. Eight of the 16 wrists in our study demonstrated arthritic changes on radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: The DILC does not consistently prevent radiographic deterioration and the development of arthrosis in the long-term; however, the level of functionality and patient satisfaction remained relatively high in 58% of our patients, suggesting a lack of correlation between the radiographic findings and development of arthrosis and the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. We believe that the DILC is still a reasonable option for treating flexible static scapholunate dissociation in patients without radiographic signs of arthritis presenting with wrist pain despite conservative treatment. Prevention of radiographic deterioration and arthrosis remains an unsolved problem.     

Dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for chronic,static scapholunate dissociation: clinical results

The purpose of this study was to review and report the results of using a new procedure, the dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis (DILC), to treat a group of patients with chronic flexible scapholunate dissociation. This was a prospective study of 21 patients (22 wrists), ranging in age from 16 to 62 years followed up for 1 to 4 years. For this study all patients returned to complete a questionnaire and have a physical examination performed by physicians and therapists independent of the treating surgeons and to obtain standardized radiographs of the wrists. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, range of motion, and grip strength were recorded. Patients completed the Mayo wrist, Short-Form (SF)-12, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Results showed there were significant improvements in scapholunate angle and scapholunate gap at final follow-up examination, with minor loss of range of motion and grip strength. Patients were satisfied with the outcomes, showing an average score of 17 on the DASH and 83 on the SF-12. The DILC procedure is a reasonable option for treating chronic scapholunate dissociation. The procedure has conceptual advantages to recommend it: it avoids a tether between radius and scaphoid and keeps the proximal carpal row linked as a functional unit. It reduces the scapholunate angle and gap. Overall the results to date are quite encouraging.     

Soft tissue stabilization in the management of chronic scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis. A 15-year series

Management of chronic scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis remains controversial. Some surgeons favor partial wrist arthrodesis; others, soft tissue stabilization. Many techniques for soft tissue repair have been described but with few or unpredictable results. We reviewed all our cases of scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis treated by soft tissue stabilization. Since 1979, 37 soft tissue stabilization procedures have been performed to correct dynamic (25) or static (12) scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis. The average time from injury to surgical treatment was 7.2 mos. (range 0.25 to 36 mos.). Three cases were treated within the first month of injury. The choice of repair was determined intraoperatively. The scaphoid shift must be easily reducible to make the case eligible for soft tissue repair. The scapholunate ligament was usually disrupted from palmar to dorsal, and the average amount of disruption was 74%. When scapholunate ligament remnants were of sufficient quality, secondary repair was performed; but if not, ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts or capsulodesis was performed. The procedures used were secondary ligamentous repair in 16 (by direct suture, reinsertion using anchor and/or transosseous reattachment), ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts in 6, capsulodesis in 7 and a combination of these procedures in 8. The mean follow-up was 27 mos. (range 2 to 62 mos.). Postoperatively, there was an 83% decrease in pain. The average wrist motion was 60 degrees extension, 47 degrees flexion, 18 degrees radial deviation and 28 degrees ulnar deviation (92%, 84%, 106% and 88% of preoperative values and 88%, 75%, 78% and 76% of the uninvolved wrists, respectively), and the grip strength was 28 kg (117% of preoperative value and 78% of the uninvolved wrists). On roentgenograms, the mean static scapholunate distance was 4.2 mm (a 26% loss of reduction compared to the early postoperative gap), but scapholunate and radiolunate angles were within normal values (58 degrees and 9 degrees, respectively). At follow-up, one patient presenting a small zone of chondromalacia on the scaphoid at the time of secondary ligamentous repair developed severe radioscaphoid arthritis 15 months postoperatively. The results were further assessed according to the form of instability, delay before surgery, severity of disruption and type of repair. Patients with static instability showed worse clinical and radiological findings than those with dynamic instability. Surgical delay did not influence the outcome. The more severe the ligament disruption was, the poorer were the results. All types of repair had a comparable outcome except those treated by ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts. The results in the latter group were unsatisfactory in terms of motion, grip strength and radiological findings. This technique has been abandoned by the group. In conclusion, soft tissue stabilization is part of the armamentarium in the management of reducible chronic scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis. Ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts gave, in our hands, unsatisfactory results. Otherwise, all types of repair achieved a relatively pain-free wrist, with acceptable motion, grip strength, scapholunate and radiolunate angles but with a wider than normal static scapholunate distance. A longer follow-up is needed to assess the effect of this abnormal gap. Factors that favorably affected the outcome were: dynamic type of instability and partial disruption of the ligament.