SLAC wrist
Pronunciation: SLACK rist
Also written as: SLAC — Scapholunate Advanced Collapse
Progressive degenerative arthritis pattern following scapholunate ligament injury.
Full Definition
SLAC (Scapholunate Advanced Collapse) wrist represents a predictable pattern of progressive degenerative arthritis that develops following chronic scapholunate ligament insufficiency. The condition progresses through distinct stages, beginning with arthritis between the scaphoid and radial styloid, then involving the scaphoid-capitate joint, and potentially extending to pan-carpal arthritis. The scapholunate joint itself typically remains preserved. This degenerative pattern is the most common form of wrist arthritis in adults and often requires salvage procedures such as scaphoidectomy with four-corner fusion or proximal row carpectomy.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from SNAC (Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse) wrist.
In Context
- "The patient developed stage II SLAC wrist arthritis requiring four-corner fusion." — Hand surgery consultation
- "Chronic scapholunate instability had progressed to SLAC wrist deformity over five years." — Follow-up documentation