The use of thermal shrinkage for scapholunate instability.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) instability is the most common form of carpal instability. There is a lack of consensus among hand surgeons as to the appropriate treatment of various stages. This article reviews the background and results of thermal treatment of predynamic instability of the SLIL. Case examples are discussed as well as a series of patients treated with our protocol for this injury.