Collapse After Carpal Bone Tunneling: An Underreported Complication?

PURPOSE

To report the complication of carpal bone tunnel collapse in scapholunate reconstruction.

METHODS

The authors present six cases of carpal collapse or bone necrosis after bone tunneling for ligamentous reconstruction, three in the scaphoid bone and three in the lunate.

RESULTS

All six cases were secondary to ligament reconstruction for chronic scapholunate dissociations, none of which had preoperative structural scaphoid or lunate deformities.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of this occurrence is unknown, the consequences could be substantial; therefore, patients should be warned of this possibility when discussing complications of ligament reconstruction for chronic scapholunate instability requiring the creation of a bone tunnel.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.