• PURPOSE
    • To review the results of scapholunate ligament reconstruction using a flexor carpi radialis tendon graft.
  • METHODS
    • We performed a retrospective review of 22 patients with post-traumatic scapholunate instability who were treated with a modification of the Brunelli, a flexor carpi radialis tendon graft.
  • RESULTS
    • The mean follow-up was 61 months. The average age was 40 years. The average loss of flexion was 23° and of extension was 22° compared with the contralateral side. Grip strength averaged 67% of the nonoperated side. All patients except 2 returned to work. Degenerative changes were seen in 3 patients at the time of revision. Complications occurred in 2 patients and included avascular necrosis of the scaphoid.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Perfect biomechanical reconstruction might not be possible for scapholunate dissociation. Our results show, however, that ligament reconstruction led to satisfactory results from the patient's point of view.
  • TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
    • Therapeutic IV.