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Scapholunate Ligament

From WikiSM

Description

3D rendering of the SLL with the scaphoid removed to show the ligaments: dorsal (blue), proximal (yellow), volar (green) components[1]
The scapholunate ligament is C-shaped. Its dorsal (D) component is the strongest (P, proximal; V, volar)[2]
Schematic of SLL anatomy and secondary stabilisers. A c-shaped SLL. B dorsal ligaments. DIC dorsal intercarpal ligament. DRC dorsal radiocarpal ligament. C volar ligaments. ST scaphotrapezial ligament. RSC radioscaphocapitate ligament. LRL long radiolunate ligament[3]

Name

  • Scapholunate ligament Complex
  • Scapholunate Ligament (SLL)
  • Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament (SLIL)
  • SL ligament
  • Scapho-lunate ligament
  • Scapholunate joint ligament
  • Interosseous scapholunate ligament

General

Dorsal Component

  • Short, transverse collagen fibers
  • Blends with joint capsule, scaphotriquetral and intercarpal ligaments
  • Strongest portion of the complex (3 mm thick, 5 mm long)
  • Controls flexion/extension
  • Complete defect is usually symptomatic

Volar Component

  • Oblique collagen fibers (1 mm thick)
  • Blends with extrinsic volar radioscapholunate ligament
  • Controls rotational motion
  • Major proprioceptive role

Proximal/Intermediate/Interosseous Component

  • Fibrocartilage, sparse neurovascular supply
  • Weakest portion of the complex
  • Extends a few millimeters into the joint, akin to a meniscus
  • Often asymptomatic when torn in isolation
  • Usually tears at the scaphoid attachment

Secondary stabilizers

  • Scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal ligament
  • Radio-scapho-capitiate ligament

Actions

Vascular Supply

Innervation


Clinical Significance


See Also


References

  1. Image courtesy of radsource.us, "SLL Tear and DISI Deformity"
  2. 2.0 2.1 Andersson, Jonny K. "Treatment of scapholunate ligament injury: current concepts." EFORT Open reviews 2.9 (2017): 382-393.
  3. Abbott, Sarah, Alex Hunt, and Shamim Umarji. "Scapholunate ligament injuries: an instructional review for the FRCS examination." European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 33.8 (2023): 3729-3733.
  4. Rajan, Prashant V., and Charles S. Day. "Scapholunate interosseous ligament anatomy and biomechanics." The Journal of hand surgery 40.8 (2015): 1692-1702.
  5. Salva-Coll, Guillem, Marc Garcia-Elias, and Elisabet Hagert. "Scapholunate instability: proprioception and neuromuscular control." Journal of wrist surgery 2.02 (2013): 136-140.
Created by:
John Kiel on 21 December 2023 20:39:33
Authors:
Last edited:
16 March 2026 18:29:39
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