The modified Brunelli procedure is used for the treatment of non-repairable complete scapholunate ligament rupture in the wrist.1 It aims to restore normal carpal biomechanics, preventing secondary osteoarthritis. A technically challenging portion of the operation involves threading the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon through the scaphoid tunnel. As the tunnel is narrow, using a standard tendon forceps can be difficult because of the size of the forceps head and body. We have found that crocodile microforceps (Fig 1), from a myringotomy set, mitigates this difficulty, allowing easy passage of the FCR tendon through the narrow scaphoid tunnel.
Figure 1.
Standard tendon braiding forceps (top) and crocodile microforceps from a myringotomy set (bottom)
Reference
- 1.Garcia-Elias M, Lluch AL, Stanley JK. Three-ligament tenodesis for the treatment of scapholunate dissociation: indications and surgical technique. J Hand Surg Am 2006; : 25–34. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]