Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Joint and Bone Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz Iran

2 Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Rehabilitation Faculty of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran

3 Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran

Abstract

Background: Patients with Lunotriquetral Interosseous Ligament (LTIL) injuries often experience wrist pain and carpal instability, resulting in challenging treatment. The optimal surgical approach has to be determined for addressing this condition.
Objective: The current study aimed to assess the postoperative outcomes of orthopedic devices in lunotriquetral fixation using a 3D model.
Material and Methods: This computer simulation study aimed to develop a three-dimensional model of a normal wrist joint. The study then simulated LTIL tears and compared three surgical methods for fusing the lunate and triquetrum bones using a pin, a screw, and a combination of both.
Results: Based on normal mechanistic behavior in terms of anteroposterior and mediolateral displacement of the lunate bone, the results are presented. However, the use of pin-fixation is significantly superior to the other methods with a displacement of 1.65 and 1.47 mm in fixation versus 0.32 and 0.64 mm in normal anatomy. This approach also significantly decreased the stress on the lunate bone and showed the least stress on the orthopedic device compared to other surgical approaches. For the triquetrum bone, pin fixation proved superior in controlling anteroposterior and vertical motions. This method also imposed significantly less stress on the triquetrum compared to using a screw or double instrumentation. 
Conclusion: Lunotriquetral fusion can be achieved using a pin, which provides better results than fusion with a screw or the combined use of a screw and pin.

Keywords