Blatt's capsulodesis for chronic scapholunate dissociation.

We have reviewed prospectively 44 cases of chronic scapholunate dissociation treated by Blatt's dorsal capsulodesis. The diagnosis was based on clinical and arthroscopic criteria. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. The results were analysed clinically and radiologically. Postoperatively statistically significant reductions in wrist movements and grip strengths were noted. Delay in surgery and presence of compensation claims were also statistically significant factors. Patients with a high column/row index had higher overall good and excellent results. The scapholunate gap, scapholunate angle, carpal height and the type of instability as diagnosed on arthroscopy and cineradiography did not affect the outcome significantly. The scapholunate gap, scapholunate angle and the carpal height did not change significantly after operation.