Background Scapholunate instability (SLI) is the most common form of carpal instability. Early detection of SLI is imperative as early reconstructive procedures can potentially prevent the natural history of progressive degenerative arthritis. After wrist arthroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the next best noninvasive diagnostic option; however, access still remains costly and is often limited in many health care systems worldwide. In this article, we describe a novel device that allows for dynamic X-rays to be taken, accentuating the scapholunate (SL) widening.
Description of Technique Twist X-ray views are generated by the patient clenching a device that combines the standard clenched fist views with ulnar deviation and supination. The test is easy to perform and functions by combining a higher grip force with the ulnar deviation and pronation effects of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, thus accentuating the SL gap in dynamic instability.
Patients and Methods We present a series of four patients with dynamic SLI and compare the findings of the Twist X-rays with conventional wrist X-rays series, including standard anteroposterior, lateral, radial, and ulna deviation, clenched fist, and pencil grip views.
Results In all the four patients, there was substantial dynamic SL widening. The SL interval increased from a mean of 1.8 mm (range: 1.5–2.8) on posteroanterior X-rays to 6.3 mm (range: 4.6–8.2) with the Twist views. Interestingly, on the pencil grip view, the mean widening was only 1.5 mm (range: 1–2.8 mm).
Conclusion The authors describe a novel device that allows for improved detection of dynamic SL ligament instability when performing stress X-ray views of the wrist.
Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.
IntroductionA rare case of congenital bipartite lunate in a child is reported. Carpal variants are very uncommon as independent entities, with only three previous reports of this condition in the English literature.Case presentationAn 11-year-old Caucasian boy presented with pain in the left wrist after a fall. Radiographs in the emergency department demonstrated a lunate that was divided into palmar and dorsal parts, causing a misdiagnosis of fractured lunate. Magnetic resonance imaging was then used to differentiate between the two diagnoses.ConclusionVery few cases of bipartite lunate have been reported in the literature, and unless awareness is raised about congenital anomalies such as this variant, confusion may arise.
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