SLAC Wrist Arthritis

SLAC wrist is a type of wrist arthritis. SLAC stands for “Scapho-Lunate Advanced Collapse.” This occurs when the bones of the wrist abnormally wear down the cartilage surfaces, causing osteoarthritis. SLAC wrist can occur after injury to the ligaments which stabilize the wrist bones, most commonly the scapholunate ligament. Many patients had an injury which they thought was “just a sprain.” Some patients cannot remember a specific injury, since it may have occurred many years ago.

SLAC Wrist Symptoms

Patients with SLAC wrist notice limited range of motion, grip weakness, wrist pain, and swelling. It may be harder to use hand tools and lift heavy objects. Clicking and popping in the wrist may also occur.

SLAC Wrist Treatment

Treatment options are aimed at reducing pain. Using a wrist brace during activity can reduce pain. Taking oral anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and oral Tylenol can reduce pain. Topical anti-inflammatory creams or using heat or ice can also help. Avoiding heavy use of the hand can reduce symptoms. Nutritional supplements such as turmeric and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate may help.

Corticosteroid injections (cortisone shots) can reduce pain and inflammation in many patients, and are safe if used sparingly. Hand therapy and physical therapy does not seem to help very much.

SLAC Wrist Surgery Option

If the pain is not well controlled and the patient cannot tolerate the symptoms, surgery may be recommended. There are several surgical options available, each with risks and benefits. The type of surgery recommended is often based on the pattern of arthritis seen on the X-rays and specific patient factors.

Partial Wrist Denervation

This surgery is designed to reduce wrist pain by removing nerves in the wrist that supply pain signals to the brain. Only selected nerves that transmit pain are cut. The nerves which provide feeling to the fingers and the nerves which control muscle movement of the hand are protected. This procedure has a quick recovery, low complication rate, but it may not fully relieve pain in some patients.

Proximal Row Carpectomy

This surgery is designed to reduce pain by removing the arthritic bones in the wrist, specifically the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum bones. Occasionally the tip of the radius bone is also removed if needed. This surgery allows the remaining non-arthritic bones to serve as the new wrist joint. The surgery can take 4-6 weeks to heal and not every patient gets full pain relief. About 50% of wrist motion can be maintained afterward. In some patients, this surgery can wear out and require a total wrist fusion in the future.

Partial Wrist Fusion

This surgery reduces pain by fusing together specific arthritic bones in the wrist. Often the scaphoid bone is removed during this surgery as well. Screws, staples, or a plate are options used to fix the bones, which require several weeks to heal in a cast. Smokers are at higher risk of healing complications with this procedure. About 50% of wrist motion can be maintained. In some patients, this surgery can wear out and require a total wrist fusion in the future.

Total Wrist Fusion

This surgery is the most effective at reducing wrist pain but all wrist motion is eliminated. Because the major wrist bones are fused together, the wrist does not move anymore. A plate and screws are typically used to fix the bones. As in other fusion surgeries, smokers are at higher risk of healing problems. Revision surgery in the future is not common after this procedure.

Wrist Joint Replacement (Total Wrist Arthroplasty)

This surgery replaces the arthritic joint with an artificial implant, similar to a knee replacement. This surgery is the least common option in our practice, as there are very few patients who are good candidates for this option. There is a high complication rate, such as implant loosening, breakage, infection, and revision surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss the options which are best for your particular condition.