Ligament Instabilities: when the wrist loses its stability

One of the best-known wrist instabilities is scapholunate instability, which involves the ligament that connects the scaphoid bone to the lunate bone. Injury to this ligament compromises the relationship between these two bones, potentially causing pain, loss of strength and, if not properly treated, progressive changes in wrist mechanics.

When a ligament injury is not diagnosed or treated in time, it can progress to chronic carpal instability. In these cases, the misalignment between the carpal bones persists over time, potentially causing progressive joint wear and more significant functional limitation than the original injury.

Treatment of ligament instabilities may involve ligament reconstructions, performed with or without the use of grafts. When the original ligament cannot be directly repaired, a graft (usually obtained from another tendon or ligament of the patient) is used to restore stability between the carpal bones.

Among the consequences of untreated ligament instability are DISI (Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability) and VISI (Volar Intercalated Segment Instability) deformities. These deformities describe specific patterns of misalignment of the lunate bone in relation to the neighboring carpal bones, and their identification is important for directing appropriate treatment.

Another relevant ligament instability in the hand is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb, also known as a Stener lesion. This injury occurs when the ligament ruptures and a neighboring structure (the adductor aponeurosis) becomes interposed between the ruptured ends, preventing spontaneous healing of the ligament and, in most cases, requiring surgical treatment.

The correct diagnosis of a ligament instability, whether in the wrist or thumb, requires specialized evaluation and, often, specific imaging tests to identify the exact pattern of the injury. Each of these conditions (scapholunate instability, chronic carpal instabilities, DISI and VISI deformities, and Stener lesion) has its own characteristics and treatment indications, and the right choice, made by an experienced hand surgeon, can make all the difference in restoring the stability and function of the wrist and hand.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or know someone who needs a specialized evaluation, visit riohandexperts.com.br/appointment and schedule an appointment. Our offices are located in different neighborhoods throughout Rio de Janeiro.

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Rio Hands Experts

Berlink & Eiras Premier Care

Rio de Janeiro - Brasil