Scapholunate Ligament Tears in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
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Scapholunate Ligament Tears in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears are among the most serious wrist injuries seen in Texas workers’ compensation claims. The scapholunate ligament is the primary stabilizer between the scaphoid and lunate — two critical carpal bones that control wrist motion and load‑bearing. When torn, the wrist becomes unstable, painful, and mechanically dysfunctional.
Because scapholunate ligament tears often require surgery and can lead to long‑term disability or arthritis, insurance companies frequently dispute them, claiming the injury is “degenerative,” “minor,” or “not work‑related.” This post explains how scapholunate ligament tears happen, how they’re diagnosed, what treatment is available, and how injured workers can protect their claims.
Understanding the Scapholunate Ligament
The scapholunate ligament connects:
- Scaphoid (thumb‑side carpal bone)
- Lunate (central carpal bone)
It provides:
- Wrist stability
- Proper carpal alignment
- Smooth flexion/extension
- Load distribution during gripping and lifting
When torn, the scaphoid and lunate separate abnormally — a condition known as scapholunate dissociation.
Common Work Related Causes of Scapholunate Ligament Tears
SLL tears in Texas workers’ compensation claims are strongly associated with:
- Falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH)
- Heavy lifting
- Forceful twisting (tools, machinery, torqueing)
- Sudden pulling injuries
- Direct blows to the wrist
- High‑impact trauma
- Repetitive strain in manual labor
These mechanisms are fully consistent with compensable injuries under Texas workers’ compensation.
See Wrist Injuries.
Symptoms of Scapholunate Ligament Tears
Workers often report:
- Sharp wrist pain
- Pain on the radial (thumb) side
- Clicking or popping
- Weak grip strength
- Pain with lifting or twisting
- Swelling
- Instability
- Difficulty bearing weight through the wrist
Symptoms may appear immediately after trauma or worsen over time.
Types of Scapholunate Ligament Injuries
Partial Tear
Some fibers torn; instability may be mild.
Complete Tear
Full rupture; significant instability.
Scapholunate Dissociation
Gap between scaphoid and lunate widens.
Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC Wrist)
Long‑term consequence of untreated SLL tears leading to arthritis.
Diagnosis of Scapholunate Ligament Tears
Diagnosis may include:
Physical Examination
- Watson test (scaphoid shift test)
- Grip strength testing
- Pain with wrist extension
X‑ray
May show widened scapholunate gap (“Terry Thomas sign”).
MRI
Identifies partial or complete ligament tears.
MR Arthrogram
Provides enhanced visualization of ligament integrity.
CT Scan
Useful for evaluating carpal alignment.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for proving causation and securing treatment.
Medical Treatment for Scapholunate Ligament Tears
Workers may be entitled to:
Conservative Care (for mild partial tears)
- Anti‑inflammatory medications
- Bracing
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
Injections
Steroid injections may reduce inflammation.
Surgery (standard of care for moderate to severe tears)
- Scapholunate ligament repair
- Capsulodesis
- Tendon graft reconstruction
- Pinning or screw fixation
- Partial wrist fusion (advanced cases)
Post‑Operative Rehabilitation
- Strengthening
- Range‑of‑motion work
- Gradual return to lifting
Work Hardening
Functional Restoration Programs
Recovery Timeline
Typical recovery:
- Partial tears: 6–12 weeks
- Complete tears: 3–6 months
- Post‑surgical recovery: 6–12 months
Workers performing heavy labor may require extended restrictions.
Complications of Scapholunate Ligament Tears
If untreated or under‑treated, scapholunate ligament tears can lead to:
- Chronic instability
- Grip weakness
- Persistent pain
- Scapholunate dissociation
- SLAC wrist (advanced arthritis)
- Permanent impairment
Impairment Ratings for Scapholunate Ligament Tears
Impairment ratings may be based on:
- Loss of wrist motion
- Grip strength deficits
- Instability
- Surgical outcomes
- Chronic pain
- Post‑traumatic arthritis
SLL tears frequently result in measurable impairment.
Why Insurance Companies Dispute Scapholunate Ligament Tears
Carriers often argue:
- The tear is “degenerative”
- The worker had prior wrist pain
- The mechanism was “insufficient”
- The MRI shows “wear‑and‑tear”
- The condition is “not work‑related”
These disputes can be challenged through:
See Aggravation Injuries.
How MLF Legal Proves Scapholunate Ligament Tears Are Work Related
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers assist clients by:
- Proving the tear is traumatic, not degenerative
- Challenging “wear‑and‑tear” arguments
- Securing MRIs and specialist referrals
- Fighting for surgical approval
- Preparing workers for designated doctor exams
- Challenging low impairment ratings
- Winning disputes at BRCs and CCHs
Scapholunate ligament tears are winnable — but only with the right evidence and strategy.
The Bottom Line
Scapholunate ligament tears are serious wrist injuries that often require surgery and long rehabilitation. If you suffered an SLL tear at work, you need a lawyer who understands the medical issues, the legal standards, and the strategies necessary to win your case.
Call MLF Legal - FREE Consults
If you suffered a scapholunate ligament tear at work, call the Texas workers’ compensation lawyers at MLF Legal today.
We fight for injured workers — not insurance companies.
FAQs: Scapholunate Ligament Tears in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Yes. They are compensable if caused or aggravated by work activities.
Moderate to severe tears often require repair or reconstruction.
MRI, MR arthrogram, X‑ray, and physical exam.
You can challenge the denial through extent‑of‑injury litigation.
Yes. Loss of motion, instability, and surgical outcomes often result in measurable impairment.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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