title: Correction of chronic lunotriquetral instability using extensor retinacular split: a retrospective study of 26 patients.
abstract: Arthroscopy offers a welcome and reliable supplement to the current tool set for the diagnosis of lunotriquetral (LT) instability. This study reports the findings of LT-lesions during arthroscopy and the clinical results obtained after using dorsal stabilisation in its surgical management using extensor retinacular split. LT-instability of grade I-III was diagnosed in 26 patients. Imaging results were normal, Reagan's ballottement and Watson tests were positive in 47% and 79%, respectively. After arthroscopic diagnosis, the procedure was immediately continued with an open repair utilising an 8-10 mm wide and radial-based extensor retinacular split for dorsal capsular reinforcement. At 39 months (range: 14 to 84) follow-up, 64% had no or only occasional mild pain and 36% had pain with overuse or lifting. Overall scoring encompassing pain, patient satisfaction, range of motion and grip strength, was excellent in 24% and good in 64%. Only three patients had fair results, one after a further injury leading to distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and two with concurrent DRUJ-stabilisation. One further patient required a secondary procedure. Arthroscopy seems to allow accurate diagnosis of LT-instability and can be continued in the same session using a straightforward reconstruction procedure providing satisfactory results.
authors.affiliation: Orto-Lääkärit Medical Center Helsinki, Finland. ilkka.antti-poika@kolumbus.fi
authors.forename: Ilkka
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Antti-Poika
authors.forename: Jukka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hyrkäs
authors.forename: Liisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Virkki
authors.forename: Daisuke
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ogino
authors.forename: Yrjö T
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Konttinen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000628:therapy*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013165:Splints; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000628:therapy*