scapholunate separation

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is where an injury to the wrist causes tilting or subluxation of the scaphoid and disruption of the ligaments between the lunate and the scaphoid. This condition presents with persistent tenderness over the dorsum of the wrist.

An x-ray of the hand reveals an unnatural gap between the scaphoid and the lunate.

This injury may require holding in place with Kirschner wire. The wrist is immobilized in plaster for 6 weeks.