Scapholunate advanced collapse
| Scapholunate advanced collapse | |
|---|---|
| Other names | SLAC wrist |
| AP wrist x-ray demonstrating Stage III scapholunate advanced collapse | |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery |
| Risk factors | Wrist trauma |
| Diagnostic method | Radiographic |
| Differential diagnosis | Scaphoid fracture, distal radial fractures, avascular necrosis of the scaphoid, gout, pseudogout, rheumatoid arthritis, Kienbock disease, lunate fracture vs dislocation dorsal intercalated segmental instability |
| Treatment | Non-surgical and surgical (fusion, joint replacement) |
Scapholunate advanced collapse (also known as SLAC wrist) is a type of wrist osteoarthritis. SLAC wrist is the most common type of post-traumatic wrist osteoarthritis and is often the result of an undiagnosed or untreated scapholunate ligament rupture. The condition follows a predictable pattern of development, which was first described by H. Kirk Watson, M.D. and Frederick L. Ballet, M.D. in 1984. Diagnosis of SLAC wrist is made using wrist x-rays, but the diagnosis may be aided using certain provocative tests. Management and treatment of SLAC wrist depends on the stage at the time of diagnosis but includes both non-surgical and surgical options.