Scapholunate ligament complex

The scapholunate ligament complex is a U-shaped ligamentous complex joining the lunate and the scaphoid.

Gross anatomy

It is divided into dorsal, volar and intermediate components with surrounding secondary stabilisers.

Dorsal component

• short, transverse collagen fibers
• 3 mm thick
• blends with joint capsule, scaphotriquetral and intercarpal ligaments
• strongest portion of the complex
• controls flexion/extension
• complete defect is usually symptomatic

Volar component

• oblique collagen fibers
• 1 mm thick
• blends with extrinsic volar radioscapholunate ligament
• controls rotational motion
• major proprioceptive role

Intermediate/interosseous component

• located proximally and centrally and therefore may be referred to as the central or proximal component
• fibrocartilage
• sparse neurovascular supply
• weakest portion of the complex
• extends a few millimeters into the joint, akin to a meniscus
• often asymptomatic when torn in isolation
• usually tears at the scaphoid attachment

Secondary stabilisers

• scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal ligament
• radio-scapho-capitiate ligament

Related pathology

• scapholunate dissociation
• dorsal intercalated segment instability
• scapholunate advanced collapse