The Relationship Between the Tensile and the Torsional Properties of the Native Scapholunate Ligament and Carpal Kinematics

Purpose The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between the tensile and the torsional properties of the native scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) and kinematics of the scaphoid and lunate of an intact wrist during passive radioulnar deviation. Methods Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were transected at the elbow joint and loaded into a custom jig. Kinematic data of the scaphoid and lunate were acquired in a simulated resting condition for 3 wrist positions—neutral, 10° radial deviation, and 30° ulnar deviation—using infrared-emitting rigid body trackers. The SLIL bone-ligament-bone complex was then resected and loaded on a materials testing machine. Specimens underwent cyclic torsional and tensile testing and SLIL tensile and torsional laxity were evaluated. Correlations between scaphoid and lunate rotations and SLIL tensile and torsional properties were determined using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results Ulnar deviation of both the scaphoid and the lunate were found to decrease as the laxity of SLIL in torsion increased. In addition, the ratio of lunate flexion-extension to radial-ulnar deviation was found to increase with increased SLIL torsional rotation. Conclusions Our findings support the theory that there is a relationship between scapholunate kinematics and laxity at the level of the interosseous ligaments. Clinical relevance Laxity and, specifically, the tensile and torsional properties of an individual’s native SLIL should guide reconstruction using a graft material that more closely replicates the individual’s native SLIL properties.