Background Chronic dynamic scapholunate (SL) instability remains difficult to treat. Several treatment options exist.

Purpose We propose an arthroscopic dorsal round-block capsulo-ligamentoplasty technique to treat dynamic scapholunate instability: a dorsal purse-string-like suture around the dorsal aspect of the proximal row, following the course of the dorsal intercarpal ligament (DICL). A Fiberwire suture travels between the radiocarpal and midcarpal space, piercing the attachments of the DICL on the triquetrum and of the scaphotrapezial ligament on the distal scaphoid. It reinforces the DICL and the dorso-capsuloscapholunate septum, also inducing a fibrotic healing. Moreover, it produces an extension lever correcting the scaphoid flexion/pronation. Compared with other capsulodesis techniques, the all-inside dorsal round-block capsulo-ligamentoplasty is theoretically likely to produce less stiffness, without additional damage to the SL complex. The wrist remains practically undamaged after surgery: no bone tunnels, bone anchors, or tendon grafts are required, thus enabling all possible secondary procedures. Data of a cadaveric study and case series illustrate the technique.

Conclusion The arthroscopic dorsal round-block capsulo-ligamentoplasty can be considered to treat chronic dynamic scapholunate instability.

C.K.G.: first surgeon of the cadaver study and case series and main writer of the manuscript; K.V.R.: second surgeon of the cadaver study and assisting writing of the manuscript; A.A.: conceptor of the technique and reviewer of the manuscript. All authors have met the ICMJE criteria for authorship.

Received: 09 June 2024

Accepted: 06 August 2024

Article published online:
02 September 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA