SLAC arthritis stands for Scapholunate Advanced Coolapse, and may develop following a chrinic SL ligament injury with scapholunate dissociation, or following a chronic nonunion of a scaphoid fracture.Treatment is directed at the arthritic joint between the scaphoid and radius. The joint between the radius and lunate is consistently not affected with this type of post-traumatic arthritis, which enables procedures that preserves functional wrist motion, and restores pain-free grip strength.The 2 main treatment options are PRC (proximal row carpectomy) and midcarpal fusion with scaphoid bone excision.
Your treatment options for SLAC arthritis related to a scaphoid nonunion(also called SNAC arthritis), also includes a 3rd choice--excision of the distal pole of the scaphoid. This is an option because when SNAC arthritis develops, both the radiolunate and radioscaphoid joints are preserved. So long as you are satisfied with the amount of wrist extension that you have, distal pole resection will provide rapid restoration of pain-relief without the need for lengthy rehabilitation or immobilization in a cast or splint.
