Carpal Ligament Instability

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

StatPearls

Abstract

Carpal instability resulting from ligamentous injury is a broad and complex topic with several potential etiologies. Acute or repetitive wrist trauma can cause tearing or progressive insufficiency of key intercarpal ligaments, which can lead to static or dynamic carpal instability. Without appropriate treatment, carpal ligament injury may alter the intrinsic mechanics of the wrist and lead to painful and possibly debilitating complications. Carpal instability should be differentiated from carpal misalignment, wherein carpus alignment may show deviation from normal radiographic parameters, but the joints remain stable when loaded under physiologic conditions.

This activity for healthcare professionals discusses the most common carpal instabilities and their sequelae, focusing on dorsal intercalated segment instability characterized by scapholunate dissociation and volar intercalated segment instability due to lunotriquetral dissociation. This activity reviews the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, evaluation, and treatment of these causes of carpal instability while highlighting the role of the interprofessional team in improving outcomes for patients with these potentially debilitating disorders.

Publication Date

11-14-2024

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