Best Doctor List Near You for Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (slac) in Healesville

Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC) is a progressive wrist condition that stems from a disruption in the scapholunate joint, a critical structure in the wrist that plays a vital role in its stability and function. The situation often arises following an injury, such as a scapholunate ligament tear, or due to degenerative changes over time. When the scapholunate ligament is compromised, it leads to abnormal motion between the scaphoid and lunate bones during wrist movement, causing uneven distribution of loads across the wrist joint. This abnormal motion can result in further instability and may progress to arthritic changes in the wrist. Initially, patients may experience pain in the dorsal wrist, especially during activities involving wrist extension and ulnar deviation, as well as reduced grip strength. As the condition advances, patients might notice a more profound loss of wrist function and increasing discomfort, which could radiate to the forearm. Radiographic examination typically reveals characteristic changes, including dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI), which signifies that the lunate is tilted dorsalward due to the altered kinematics of the wrist. Additionally, there may be evidence of joint degeneration and subchondral sclerosis in the affected areas. The management of SLAC often involves both non-operative and operative approaches depending on the stage of the condition and the overall functional requirements of the patient. Non-operative treatment may include activity modification, immobilization, and physical therapy, aiming to stabilize the wrist and alleviate pain. However, these methods may not provide sufficient long-term relief, particularly in more advanced stages of the disease. When conservative measures fail, surgical options come into play, which can range from ligament repair or reconstruction to more extensive procedures like wrist fusion or the use of prosthetic devices. The choice of surgical intervention largely depends on the degree of joint involvement, the presence of arthritic changes, and the patient's desired level of activity. Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial for restoring wrist function and may involve gradual mobilization and strengthening exercises following the surgery. Despite treatment, some patients may continue to experience limited range of motion or chronic pain. SLAC poses a significant challenge not only due to its painful symptoms and functional limitations but also because of its impact on the quality of life. Ongoing research is focused on improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of SLAC, optimizing management strategies, and developing innovative surgical techniques that may offer better outcomes for patients facing this debilitating condition.