Outcomes Following Surgical Interventions for Isolated Lunotriquetral Interosseous Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review

Hand (N Y). 2025 Jan;20(1):14-26. doi: 10.1177/15589447231198268. Epub 2023 Sep 28.

Abstract

Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be attributed to various bony and ligamentous structures. The purpose of this review is to compare outcomes following surgical interventions for isolated lunotriquetral (LT) interosseous ligament injuries in adults. We assessed 202 procedures from 9 retrospective case series studies of low to moderate quality based on the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale. The comparative outcomes (ie, range of motion, pain, strength, quality of life, complications, return to work, and patient satisfaction) were aggregated and categorized under arthrodesis, capsulodesis, ligament repairs and reconstruction, and ulna shortening osteotomy procedures. Although the comparison of outcomes was largely inconclusive due to the heterogeneity and the omission of preoperative characteristic data, we did observe higher complications and reoperation rates post LT arthrodesis. It is recommended that all outcomes be standardized and presented uniformly with best practices developed to better characterize the injury's severity and integrity in future studies.

Keywords: ligament; outcomes; surgery; treatment; wrist.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthrodesis* / methods
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Ligaments, Articular* / injuries
  • Ligaments, Articular* / surgery
  • Lunate Bone / injuries
  • Lunate Bone / surgery
  • Osteotomy* / methods
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Quality of Life
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Reoperation / statistics & numerical data
  • Return to Work / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulna / injuries
  • Ulna / surgery
  • Wrist Injuries / surgery