WRIST INSTABILITY

If you suffer from severe wrist pain or weakness, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is wrist instability?

The wrist comprises 15 bones, including the radius, ulna, scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate, and the five metacarpal bones. Additionally, these bones articulate with one another at over 20 locations and are encircled by numerous ligaments, maintaining stability during wrist movement. When any of these ligaments sustain injury, it can disrupt wrist motion and lead to instability.

What causes wrist instability?

Injuries to wrist ligaments can result in wrist instability. The most frequently affected ligaments are the scapholunate (SL) and lunotriquetral (LT) ligaments. Additionally, perilunate injuries and mid carpal instability contribute to overall this condition. These injuries or tears can occur when the wrist is subjected to sudden stress or repeated strain over time.

What are the symptoms of wrist instability?

Wrist instability can present with wrist pain, especially during movement of the wrist, and at times with decreased range of motion of the wrist. 

Diagnosis

Additionally, healthcare providers diagnose wrist instability through a combination of clinical examination and multiple special X-ray views. Abnormal gaps between wrist bones or misalignment observed on X-rays indicate ligament injuries. Further evaluation may include CT scans or MRI to assess soft tissues. Wrist arthroscopy allows for visualization of the ligaments and debridement of torn tissues.

Treatment

Treatment will consider various factors, including the duration of instability, presence of arthritis, reducibility of the instability, and tissue quality. Wrist support may involve immobilization with a splint or brace. Steroid injections can reduce swelling and pain, thereby enhancing wrist motion. Surgical options range from ligament reconstruction to wrist bone removal or fusion, and wrist denervation. The treatment plan is customized based on the specific wrist instability injury and the patient’s individual goals.

Further Reading:

AAOS- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons wrist arthroscopy OrthoInfo webpage.

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/wrist-arthroscopy/

ASSH- American Society of Hand Surgery wrist surgery:arthroscopy Handcare webpage.

https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/wrist-surgery-arthroscopy

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Hand and Wrist Specialist in the Lone Star State, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.