Background

 

Definition

 

Loss of normal ligamentous and / or bony constraints of wrist

 

Anatomy

 

Intrinsic ligaments

 

Scapho-lunate ligaments Luno-triquetral ligaments 
3 components 3 components

 

Dorsal - most important

Palmar - thin 

Proximal membranous fibrocartilaginous zone

 

Volar strongest

 

Extrinsic Ligaments

 

From radius to carpus

- no tendons attach to proximal row

- resist carpal subluxation volar / ulna

 

Space of Poirier - weak area of the palmar ligaments

 

Palmar extrinsic ligaments Dorsal extrinsic ligaments

Radioscaphocapitate ligament

Radiolunate ligament

Radioscapholunate ligament

Ulnocarpal ligaments

Lunotriquetral ligament

Dorsal radiocarpal ligament (DRC) - dorsal radiotriquetral ligament 

Dorsal intercarpal ligament (DIC) - triquetroscaphoid ligament

Dorsal radioulnar ligament

 

 

 

Biomechanics

 

Center of rotation - capitate

 

Load transfer - Radius 80% / Ulna 20% (all via TFCC)

 

Flexion / Extension Radial deviation Ulna deviation
120o 20o 30o

50% midcarpal

50% radiocarpal

60% midcarpal

40% radiocarpal

60% midcarpal

40% radiocarpal

  Proximal row and scaphoid flexes Proximal row and scaphoid extends

 

Classification of Carpal Instabilities (Amadio)

 

I: Carpal instability dissociative (CID) II: Carpal instability non-dissociative (CIND)

 

Injury inter-osseous ligaments within the carpal rows

Disassociative motion between the bones of each row

 

Dissociation is between rows

Dorsal intercalated segmental instability  (DISI) 

- scapholunate ligament injury

- dorsiflexion

- scaphoid flexes and lunate extends

 

Radiocarpal dislocation

Midcarpal dislocation

Ulna translocation

Volar intercalated segmental instability (VISI)

- triquetrolunate ligament injury

- lunate flexes

 

CIND VISI

- ligamentous laxity

- proximal row flexed

 

 

III. Carpal instability complex (CIC) IV. Carpal instability longitudinal (axial)

Hyperextension injury

- perilunate dislocation (90% dorsal)

- trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation

Longitudinal injuries

- axial Ulnar (AU)

- axial Radial (AR)

- axial Ulnar-Radial (AUR) / Combined

  Severe high velocity / blast injuries