SLAC is a wrist problem that develops from a long-term injury or instability of the scapholunate ligament, resulting in a specific type of arthritis.

The main cause is untreated or ongoing scapholunate ligament injuries that lead to arthritis over time.

Symptoms include pain in the wrist, swelling, less movement, and weaker grip strength.

To diagnose it, doctors do a physical exam, take X-rays, and may use MRI or CT scans to see how bad the arthritis and instability are.

SLAC has stages from early scapholunate dissociation to arthritis in the radioscaphoid and capitate-lunate joints.

In early stages, splints, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroid injections may help, but many cases need surgery later.

Surgical choices include removing parts of the wrist bones, fusing them together, or full wrist fusion, based on the level of damage.

PRC means taking out the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum bones so the capitate can move with the radius.

This surgery removes the scaphoid and connects the other carpal bones (lunate, capitate, hamate, triquetrum) to stabilize the wrist.

Recovery time is different for each procedure but usually involves weeks of not moving the wrist, followed by physical therapy for months.

Yes, therapy is vital for regaining strength and motion after the operation.

Quick diagnosis and care for scapholunate injuries can stop SLAC from developing.

Yes, it often follows long-term untreated ligament injuries in the wrist.

SLAC arises from scapholunate ligament damage, while SNAC is from untreated scaphoid fractures.

Issues can include ongoing pain, serious arthritis, and reduced ability to use the wrist.

Success rates are generally good with proper procedures and rehab, although some wrist motion may be lost.

Though they cannot cure it, keeping joints functioning, a healthy weight, and limiting strain may ease symptoms.

Rest, ice, over-the-counter painkillers, and wrist supports can help with mild pain.

It depends on how bad the condition is and the effectiveness of other treatments; many people may need surgery.

This depends on what your job requires; you may need to make adjustments and talk with your doctor.

Pain and limited movement can make it hard to grip, lift, or hold items.

More pain, swelling, less motion, and trouble with daily activities can be signs.

You may lose some motion and strength in your wrist, but usually, pain is lessened.

Usually general or regional anesthesia is used, depending on the surgery type.

Listen to your surgeon's pre-surgery instructions, which may tell you to fast or stop certain medications.

Full movement is not very likely, but the goal is to keep function and lessen pain.

Treatments can really help with symptoms and use, but there are often compromises with wrist movement.

They help with temporary pain and swelling but don’t fix the main issue.

Yes, you will likely need to wear a splint or cast at first to help with healing.

It depends; some surgeries can be outpatient, while others may need a short stay in the hospital.

Yes, it can, especially if it’s related to larger health issues or injuries on both sides.

Yes, doing the same actions can increase symptoms and speed up the condition.

Ongoing pain and less movement can lower quality of life and cause injuries in other areas.

It’s not directly inherited, but wrist shape and injury risks could be influenced by genetics.

Many people do well after surgery and maintain a good quality of life, but some may still have wrist issues.

Yes, high-impact sports can cause initial injuries that lead to SLAC.

SLAC comes from ligament injuries and has a different breakdown pattern than standard osteoarthritis.

Risks include infections, issues with hardware, or ongoing pain.

Wrist fusion is an option in very severe cases where reducing pain and improving stability is more important than movement.

Splint wear usually lasts a few weeks, based on the individual and the specific surgery.

Once arthritis gets worse, it can't be reversed, but surgery can help manage symptoms and improve function.

Follow-up visits can differ; usually, the first few will be frequent and then decrease.

Talk to your doctor; light weight lifting may be possible eventually, but heavy lifting may need to be avoided.

They may not cure it, but alternative treatments could help some people feel better.

A wrist sprain is an immediate injury. to ligaments, while SLAC is a long-term problem that comes from injuries that did not heal properly.

47. How significant is rest in managing SLAC wrist issues?

48. Does weight loss influence SLAC wrist issues?

49. Which kind of doctor takes care of SLAC wrist?

50. Is SLAC wrist the same as a "wrist drop"?