. ONE-LINERS re DISRUPTION OF SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT
· The scaphoid and lunate bones have no muscle attachments and their main purpose is to stabilize the wrist joint.
· A disruption of the scaspholunate ligament is best appreciated on the AP wrist view. Ask for a clenched fist view .
· If the spacing is > 4 mm it is virtually diagnostic (see Illustrations 79 and 80). This is commonly called the Terry Thomas Sign –named after the British comedian who has a wide gap between his central incisors.
· When this ligamentous wrist injury occurs, the patient will usually complain of pain, weakness and a ” click ” during use.
· Next level study- consider CT scan or MRI.
· If this ligamentous injury goes undetected and untreated– it may progress to severe arthritis, pain and limited range of motion.
This is known as SLAC ( ScaphoLunate Advanced Collapse ).
