Arthroscopic treatment of scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic techniques for treating scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries have evolved over the past decade. However, the optimal arthroscopic surgical approach for scapholunate ligament injuries of varying grades remains debatable. METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out to identify primary studies reporting patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out to assess changes in patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies encompassing 434 patients were included. Seven studies reported on arthroscopic capsulodesis; four assessed electrothermal treatment; three described arthroscopic debridement combined with percutaneous K-wire fixation; and two assessed arthroscopic reduction and association of the scaphoid-lunate. Of the seven studies on arthroscopic capsulodesis, six provided enough data for meta-analysis (N = 250), showing a significant improvement in postoperative patient-reported outcomes compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic capsulodesis appears to offer significant functional improvement and a low complication rate in higher grade scapholunate ligament injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.