Professional
Technical
IVT
scapholunate dissociation
Disruption of the ligamentous connection between scaphoid and lunate bones causing carpal instability.
Full Definition
Scapholunate dissociation is a form of carpal instability resulting from injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament, which normally maintains the relationship between the scaphoid and lunate bones. This injury can be acute or chronic and leads to abnormal carpal kinematics. Untreated scapholunate dissociation progresses to scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) arthritis, making early recognition and treatment crucial.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as SLD in clinical notes. Hyphenate scapho-lunate when used as an adjective.
In Context
- "Plain radiographs showed a Terry Thomas sign consistent with scapholunate dissociation." — diagnostic imaging report
- "Chronic scapholunate dissociation requires reconstructive procedures to prevent SLAC arthritis." — treatment algorithm
Also known as
SLD
scapholunate instability
Don't confuse with
lunotriquetral dissociation
scaphoid fracture