HERBERT SCREW FIXATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE

Complete rupture of the scapholunate ligament was treated by open reduction, ligament repair and internal splintage with a Herbert bone screw. After an average of 12 months, the screw was removed to allow full loading of the repair. In 33 procedures, there were 22 good and 11 poor results. In five cases with a poor outcome, the screw pulled or fractured out of the scaphoid or lunate. Grip and range of wrist motion improved in patients with a good outcome, and repair of the ligament was noted at all revision and open screw removal surgeries. A comparison of the good and poor results leads us to recommend this technique for patients with relatively recent injuries and light to moderate activity levels. Longstanding injuries and heavy occupational wrist loading led to poorer results.