Scapholunate and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament augmentation with internal bracing in perilunate dislocation: Case reports

RATIONALE: The goals of surgical treatment of the perilunate dislocation (PLD) are confirmation of reduction, ligament repair, and supplemental fixation of the bony architecture. Open reduction and direct repair of the torn ligament are recommended for acute PLD. However, repair of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) is often unreliable, and secure repair is challenging. Internal bracing (IB) is an augmentation method that uses high-strength non-absorbable tape and enhances strength and support during the critical period of ligamentous healing. However, there is a paucity of data on the application of IB for PLD in the wrist. We report 3 cases of PLD that were augmented with IB after SLIL and LTIL repair. PATIENT CONCERNS: All 3 cases were men who visited our emergency department with wrist after falling off a ladder. DIAGNOSES: Initial radiographs revealed a dorsal PLD. INTERVENTIONS: Surgically, complete rupture of the SLIL and LTIL were confirmed. K-wires were placed into the scaphoid and lunate and used as joysticks to correct the intercalated segment instability pattern. This usually requires correcting scaphoid flexion and lunate extension and closing the scapholunate interval. Prior to SLIL and LTIL repair, temporary intercarpal fixation was performed with K-wires to maintain the carpal relationship. The dorsal SLIL and LTIL were carefully repaired using suture anchors. However, ligament repair was unreliable, and insecure. In view of the likelihood of insufficient repair, we performed IB augmentation using synthetic tape. OUTCOMES: At the last follow-up, all cases were pain-free and had returned to all activities. The last follow-up radiographs showed good alignment of the carpal bones and no arthritic changes. LESSONS: IB augmentation can reduce the period of K-wire fixation and cast immobilization and can enable early joint motion. We believe that interosseous ligament augmentation using IB is a reasonable treatment option for PLD.