Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Scapholunate instability is a common form of carpal instability and Brunelli procedure has been advocated as a surgical intervention for this difficult problem.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty five patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of scapholunate dissociation were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 37 years. All the patients were treated by modified Brunelli procedure, with the flexor carpi radialis tendon being passed through a drill hole in scaphoid and sutured to radiotriquetral ligament. All patients had a wrist arthroscopy prior to the index procedure and associated injuries recorded. The average postoperative follow up for the patients was 60 months.
RESULTS
Patient rated wrist evaluation score improved from an average of preoperative score of 108 to a postoperative score of 33.8. The hand grip strength improved in 22 out of 25 patients. 21 (84%) patients were satisfied with the procedure and would undergo the operation again if required.
CONCLUSION
This case series reaffirms the current literature regarding efficacy of modified Brunelli procedure in scapholunate instability. Early and midterm results suggest this procedure to be a useful option in carefully selected patients group.
