Ligamentum scapholunatum


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 stabilizers.
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 stabilizers
- scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal ligament
- radio-scapho-capitiate ligament
Related pathology
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