Early results of a modified brunelli procedure for scapholunate instability

• Published in: Journal of hand surgery, British volume Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 258 - 261
• Main Authors: Van Den Abbeele, K.L.S., Loh, Y.C., Stanley, J.K., Trail, I.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.1998; SAGE Publications
• Subjects: Adult; Bone Wires; Carpal Bones - diagnostic imaging; Carpal Bones - injuries; Carpal Bones - surgery; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hand Strength - physiology; Humans; Joint Dislocations - diagnostic imaging; Joint Dislocations - surgery; Joint Instability - diagnostic imaging; Joint Instability - surgery; Lunate Bone - diagnostic imaging; Lunate Bone - injuries; Lunate Bone - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Skills - physiology; Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Treatment Outcome; Wrist Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Wrist Injuries - surgery
• DOI: 10.1016/S0266-7681(98)80191-5
• ISSN: 0266-7681

Twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of scapholunate instability underwent a modified Brunelli procedure. The overall results of this short follow-up study showed that a majority of patients (17 out of 22) had relief of pain. Grip strength recovered well. Postoperative range of motion was reduced in extension and flexion, remained unchanged for radial deviation and improved for ulnar deviation. The radiological appearance of dynamic or static scapholunate instability did not change after the procedure. Most patients (17 out of 22) felt subjective improvement and would have the operation again. A significantly poorer result was seen in those patients with an unresolved medicolegal claim. Although short-term results are encouraging for some patients, the authors feel that more long-term follow-up is needed before recommending the procedure.