The distal ligamentous complex of the scaphoid and the scapho-lunate ligament. An anatomic, histological and biomechanical study.

22 fresh cadaver specimens have been examined to study the anatomy, histology and biomechanical features of the ligaments of the proximal and distal poles of the scaphoid. The biomechanical study was carried out by two methods: an analytical one on an Instron machine, and a global one in situ. The different experiments show the predominant rôle of the distal ligamentous complex of the scaphoid over the scapho-lunate ligament. This contrasts with the generally accepted concept and modifies the management of lateral carpal instability.