SLAC Wrist
Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC), is commonly known as SLAC wrist. This is a pattern of wrist malalignment that has been attributed to post-traumatic or spontaneous osteoarthritis of the wrist or an undiagnosed or untreated scapholunate ligament sprain injury and rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid bone.
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. Wrist sprain is the most common location after an upper extremity injury.
Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mild sprains can be successfully treated at home. Severe sprains sometimes require surgery to repair torn ligaments.
The difference between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.
HAND & WRIST ANATOMY
DISEASE EXPLAINED
SYMPTOMS
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Limited ability to move the affected joint
Hearing or feeling a “pop” in your joint at the time of injury
CAUSES
Walking or exercising in an uneven position
Twisting during an athletic activity
Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
Skiing injury or overextension when playing racquet sports, such as tennis
Children have areas of softer tissue, called growth plates, near the ends of their bones. The ligaments around a joint are often stronger than these growth plates, so children are more likely to experience a fracture than a sprain.
TREATMENT
TREATMENT OPTIONS
REST
Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don’t avoid all physical activity.
Ice
Even if you’re seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. Use an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake for the first few days after the injury.
Compression
To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don’t wrap it too tightly or you may hinder circulation. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area.
Elevation
Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) also can be helpful.
After the first two days, gently begin to use the injured area. You should see a gradual, progressive improvement in the joint’s ability to support your weight or your ability to move without pain. Recovery from sprains can take days to months.
A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. For some injuries, such as a torn ligament, surgery may be considered.
CONTACTING DR. PERLMUTTER
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IF YOU PERCEIVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM ASAP.
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