A scapholunate ligament tear in the wrist is a common soft tissue injury.
Often, those who are involved in accidents that cause them to fall, such as bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents or slip and falls, try to brace themselves placing their palms underneath as they strike the ground or a vehicle. This results in a very painful injury which can require extensive diagnostic testing to identify, and surgery to repair.
The sudden force and trauma to the wrist may damage a ligament called the scapholunate. This ligament connects and stabilizes the scaphoid and lunate bones, allowing for proper wrist movement.
Damage to the scapholunate cannot been seen on an x-ray and is often accompanied by a fracture in the scaphoid or lunate bones. An MRI could also miss the tear if it is small. Some doctors will use an arthrogram MRI which uses an injection of dye in the wrist.
There are four types of scapholunate ligament injuries:
- Predynamic or occult: This is a mild injury that generally includes a partial tear, and usually cannot be seen in an x-ray.
- Dynamic: A dynamic scapholunate injury is when the ligament is completely torn or damaged so severely that the wrist does not function normally. Again, not seen on an x-ray.
- Static: A static scapholunate injury is when the ligament is completely torn and the surrounding scaphoid, lunate or other surrounding bones are damaged as well.
- Advanced Collapse (SLAC): This happens when the ligament is completely torn and may cause various forms of arthritis.
If you have suffered a similar injury to your wrist because of an accident that was caused by another person’s actions, call our office for a free evaluation of your claim. You may be entitled to compensation for this severe wrist injury, and our attorneys can help.