The dorsal radiocarpal ligament (DRCL) has been implicated in both volar and dorsal
intercalated segmental instabilities and has a role in midcarpal instability. Tears
of the DRCL are more common than previously suspected. They are best seen through
a volar radial portal and are amenable to arthroscopic repair. DRCL tears appear to
be part of a spectrum of radial- and ulnar-sided carpal instability as evidenced by
the frequent association with scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries as
well as triangular fibrocartilage tears. Isolated DRCL tears can be solely responsible
for wrist pain. The presence of an associated DRCL tear when seen in combination with
a scapholunate, lunotriquetral, or triangular fibrocartilage tear connotes a greater
degree and/or duration of carpal instability, and portends a poorer prognosis after
treatment. Good results are obtained after arthroscopic repair of isolated DRCL tears.
Results of DRCL repairs are less predictable when seen in combination with other types
of carpal pathology. Recognition of this condition and further research into treatment
methods is needed.
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© 2005 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
