DOI: 10.1177/17531934261472361 ISSN: 1753-1934

Arthroscopic treatment of scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Leonne A Rojer, Juliette YE Juttmann, Niels WL Schep

Introduction:

Arthroscopic techniques for treating scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries have evolved over the past decade. However, the optimal arthroscopic surgical approach for scapholunate ligament injuries of varying grades remains debatable.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was carried out to identify primary studies reporting patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out to assess changes in patient-reported outcome measures.

Results:

A total of 16 studies encompassing 434 patients were included. Seven studies reported on arthroscopic capsulodesis; four assessed electrothermal treatment; three described arthroscopic debridement combined with percutaneous K-wire fixation; and two assessed arthroscopic reduction and association of the scaphoid-lunate. Of the seven studies on arthroscopic capsulodesis, six provided enough data for meta-analysis ( N  = 250), showing a significant improvement in postoperative patient-reported outcomes compared with baseline.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic capsulodesis appears to offer significant functional improvement and a low complication rate in higher grade scapholunate ligament injuries.

Level of evidence:

IV.

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