Reconstruction of chronic scapholunate dissociation with the modified scapholunate axis method (SLAM).

Introduction: Injury to the scapholunate (SL) ligament represents a common trauma of the wrist but is frequently misdiagnosed because of non-specific pain. Established methods for SL reconstruction mainly focus on reducing pain and maintaining the reposition result at the expense of mobility and strength. This study aimed at restoring stability and reducing pain while simultaneously maintaining mobility and strength using the scapholunate axis method (SLAM).

[Modified SLAM (scapholunate axis method) technique for secondary SL reconstruction: preliminary results].

Background: The common techniques for scapholunate (SL) ligament reconstruction achieve pain relief and maintenance of reposition at the expense of mobility and grip strength. In contrast, the scapholunate axis method (SLAM) technique seems to stabilise the scaphoid and lunate bones without a loss of function. We modified the technique with an additional anchor fixation of the tendon graft to the capitate bone in order to prevent palmar dislocation of the scaphoid bone.