Patient from Ecuador with an injury to the (proximal) capitohamate ligament and the lunotriquetral ligament.
Arthroscopic images show a significant gap and instability between the capitate and hamate bones. These injuries are difficult to visualize with MRI, and in this patient’s case, the MRI did not demonstrate the injury.
The first image shows a step-off* at the lunotriquetral ligament interval, confirming a tear of a critical ligament on the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist.
This is a sign of an extensive ulnar column injury of the wrist, often observed in sports injuries and industrial trauma.
Arthroscopic debridement of the ligaments is performed to stimulate the healing of new ligament tissue. This process is accelerated by the injection of an orthobiologic (Stem Cells or PRP) and the placement of pins under the skin. The pins are removed approximately seven weeks after surgery, at which time therapy and a gradual return to sports or work begins.
