SLI
Also written as: SLI — Scapholunate instability
Scapholunate instability - disruption of the normal relationship between the scaphoid and lunate bones causing wrist pain and dysfunction.
Full Definition
Scapholunate instability (SLI) refers to the pathological condition where the scaphoid and lunate bones lose their normal alignment and motion patterns due to injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament complex. This instability can be acute or chronic and represents one of the most common patterns of carpal instability. SLI can progress through various stages, from dynamic instability (visible only with stress) to static instability with fixed deformity. Left untreated, SLI often progresses to scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) arthritis, requiring more extensive surgical intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from SLAC wrist, which represents the arthritic sequela of chronic SLI.
In Context
- "Chronic SLI was evident on stress radiographs with widening of the scapholunate interval." — Orthopedic consultation
- "Early SLI was successfully treated with scapholunate ligament reconstruction." — Surgical outcome report