Joe A Shaw PA-C - 6/29/2009

Question
I had a MRI on right wrist that revealed a full thickness tear at the ulnar attachment of riangular fibrocartilage with a partial tear of the scapholunate ligament, Marrow edema at the ulnar styloid with fluid in the prestyloid recess and instability of the distal radioulnar joint with tear of the doral radioular ligament. Injury to wrist in May 2008.  Was told damage was due to arthritis and nothing could be done for the wrist. Can arthritis cause the torn ligaments?

Answer
Diane,
Arthritis will or can put you at risk for further injury as well as age and any trauma you may sustain. Arthritis is basically a roughened up or degenerated surface,so if the ligaments are attached where the surface is rough or degenerated then you can see how that ligament may tear or dettach easier than normal.
I would get a 2nd opinion from a board certified HAND surgeon...a university hospital may offer you the "latest" treatment options.
Keep in mind though that no matter what..surgery or not, this area of your wrist will never be 100% "normal" but hopefully it will get better than it currently is..
A Ice/heat wrist wrap and biofreeze should be helpful regardless.

http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/ice-wraps.html
http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/pain-relief-creams.html