SLAC wrist
Pronunciation: SLACK
Also written as: SLAC — Scapholunate advanced collapse
Scapholunate advanced collapse - a pattern of progressive wrist arthritis that develops following chronic scapholunate ligament injury.
Full Definition
Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist represents a predictable pattern of degenerative arthritis that develops as a consequence of chronic scapholunate instability. The arthritis progresses through distinct stages, beginning at the radial styloid-scaphoid articulation, advancing to the radioscaphoid joint, and finally involving the midcarpal joint between the capitate and scaphoid. The radiolunate articulation typically remains preserved, which forms the basis for certain surgical treatments. SLAC wrist is the most common pattern of degenerative arthritis in the wrist and often requires surgical intervention including partial wrist arthrodesis or proximal row carpectomy in advanced cases.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify stage (I-III) when describing SLAC wrist progression.
In Context
- "Plain radiographs revealed Stage III SLAC wrist with midcarpal arthritis." — Radiology interpretation
- "Four-corner arthrodesis was recommended for advanced SLAC wrist with preserved radiolunate joint." — Surgical planning discussion