Objective This study evaluated the effects of sectioning the different scapholunate interosseous ligament(SLIL)subregions sequentially on the scapholunate interval, through which we can evaluate the role of different subregion of SLIL in maintain the normal scapholunate space, and provide a reference for the diagnosis of scapholunate dissociation. Method Twelve fresh cadaver upper extremities were used in this study. The wrist x-rays were taken in the intact state, after the proximal subregion of SLIL were cut, after the proximal and dorsal subregion of SLIL were cut, after the proximal and palmar subregion of SLIL were cut, after all of the SLIL were cut. Each x-rays were taken at neutral and ulnar deviation position, at rest and under stress. Scapholunate interval measurements were made at the mid-scapholunate joint. Comparison of the data was performed using one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was attributed to P<0.05. Results Sectioning of the proximal subregion of the SLIL did not change the scapholunate interval from the intact stage. Furthermore, additional sectioning of the dorsal or palmar subregion did not change scapholunate interval too. When the SLIL was sectioned completely, a small but statistically significant scapholunate interval change was noted. However, when the x-rays were taken at loaded wrist, the scapholunate intervals have significant changes compared with non-loaded wrist. The scapholunate interval has no significant difference between the neutral and ulnar position in all groups. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the proximal subregion of SLIL has no significant effect in maintaining the normal scapholunate relationship. When the SLIL was damaged severely, the abnormal scapholunate interval could be found more easily on wrist stress x-ray than non-stress x-ray. Thus, the x-ray taken at stress position was useful in the diagnosis of scaphoid lunate dissociation, especially when the SLIL was not damaged completely.