Abstract
Background Injury of the scapholunate interosseous ligament is the most frequently diagnosed
cause of carpal instability and can be treated with a Mayo capsulodesis procedure.
During this procedure, a radially based flap of the dorsal radiocarpal complex is
attached to the lunate. The procedure attempts to reduce flexion of the scaphoid and
restore the scapholunate relationship by crossing the scapholunate interval. To obtain
a better understanding of the biomechanical properties and possibly improve the postoperative
rehabilitation process, a better understanding of the reconstructions biomechanics
is needed.
Methods Ten dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis were performed on embalmed wrists to
assess the flexion elongation relation at the dorsal intercarpal reconstruction, the
dorsal intercarpal complex, and the type of failure during flexion of the wrist.
Results The mean elongation of the dorsal intercarpal reconstruction at 70-degree flexion
was 0.8 mm. During flexion, the dorsal intercarpal reconstruction showed no ligament
tears or failure of the bone anchor. The mean elongation of the dorsal intercarpal
complex was 3.9 mm at 70 degrees. During subsequent repeated flexion, four sutures
to connect the dorsal intercarpal complex to the surrounding tissue loosened between
55 and 60 degrees.
Conclusions These findings suggest that capsulodesis can safely withstand flexion of the wrist
until 50 degrees.
Clinical Relevance Clinicians should consider the opportunity to start early with controlled active
motion.
Level of Evidence Not applicable.
Keywords
biomechanics - capsulodesis - scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) - SL-ligament
