A mechanical comparison of bone-ligament-bone autografts from the wrist for replacement of the scapholunate ligament.

Abstract

A study was performed to compare the mechanical properties of two intracarpal ligaments with those of the dorsal component of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL). Trapezoid-to-second metacarpal, capitate-to-trapezoid ligaments, and the dorsal part of the SLIL were obtained as bone-ligament-bone grafts from fresh frozen cadavers. Their respective load to failure and stiffness were measured under uniaxial load on a servohydraulic machine and compared. The capitate-to-trapezoid ligament closely approximated the load to failure and stiffness of the dorsal SLIL, whereas the trapezoid-to-second metacarpal ligament was significantly stronger and stiffer than the dorsal SLIL. These 2 intracarpal bone-ligament-bone grafts share similar mechanical properties with the dorsal component of the scapholunate ligament and might be used clinically to replace it.