Functional results after proximal row carpectomy to salvage a wrist

Proximal row carpectomy is a movement-preserving procedure in the treatment of arthrosis of the wrist. We have retrospectively assessed the objective and subjective functional results after proximal row carpectomy. Assessment of outcome included measurement of range of movement (ROM), grip strength and self-assessment of pain relief with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results were graded using the Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores. Fourty-five patients (mean age 48 (30–67) years) were evaluated with a follow-up of 32 (8–115) months. Underlying conditions included: degenerative arthritis secondary to scapholunate advanced collapse deformity, or chronic scaphoid non-union (n=35), Kienböck disease stage III (n=4), chronic perilunate dislocation and fracture-dislocation (n=4), avascular necrosis of the scaphoid (n=1), and severe radiocarpal arthrosis secondary to distal radial fracture (n=1). Active ROM for wrist extension and flexion was 70° and mean radial and ulnar deviation 30.8°. Grip strength was 51% of the unaffected side. The average DASH score was 26. The intensity of the pain, measured by VAS, was reduced by 44% after strenuous activities and by 71% at rest. The Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores were 55 and 62 points indicating good results; 32 patients returned to work and 25 patients to their former occupation. Our results show that proximal row carpectomy is a technically easy operation that preserves a satisfying ROM and pain relief, and is recommended when the head of the capitate and the lunate fossa are not affected by arthrosis.     

Operative Behandlungsmöglichkeiten bei fortgeschrittenem karpalen Kollaps (SNAC/SLAC wrist)

Longstanding and untreated scaphoid fractures and scapholunate dissociations lead to painful destruction of the wrist with carpal collapse. The severity of degenerative arthrosis is classified in three stages and can be treated adequate operatively. SNAC wrist (scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse) after failed fusion of the scaphoid and SLAC wrist (scapholunate advanced collapse) after scapholunate dissociation should be differentiated. The reconstruction of the scaphoid or scapholunate ligament in stage II and III is no reasonable option. Motion preserving procedures such as proximal row carpectomy or midcarpal arthrodesis are preferable in this situation. Thirty-one male patients (average 41 years) were treated for SNAC or SLAC wrist with midcarpal arthrodesis. All patients were reexamined, the mean follow-up was 15 months. Grip strength was measured with the Dexter-System, pain was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100). Patients' daily activities and general quality of life were estimated with the DASH-questionnaire. Pain was reduced to 50% compared to the preoperative situation. Grip strength improved to 60% of the opposite side. Active range of motion reached 50% of the contralateral wrist. Total DASH-score reached 39.0. Nonunion at the fusion site necessitated additional surgery in four patients resulting in total wrist arthrodesis. 80% of the patients returned to their original occupation. Midcarpal fusion is a reliable procedure for treating the difficult condition of advanced carpal collapse if proper realignment of the carpus is performed. The DASH-score reflects the subjective impressions of the patients in daily life and justifies the choice of a salvage procedure preserving wrist mobility. Total wrist fusion represents the last line of defense.     

Proximal row carpectomy

Proximal row carpectomy is extremely useful as a wrist reconstructive technique for cases of degenerative joint arthritis of the radiocarpal joint cause by scapholunate advanced collapse, scapholunate advanced collapse, schaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations, lunate dislocations, and Kienb?ck disease. It should be selected with caution for patients younger than 35 years old. The procedure can be performed with or without temporary internal fixation with with Kirschner wires, and adjunctive techniques of dorsal capsule interposition, proximal capitate excision, and radial styloidectomy can be used. The longevity of the operation is good, but the patient should be informed preoperatively that secondary procedures may be required. Based on historical series, these procedures have included addition have included of radial styloidectomy when this has not been performed at the index procedure, revision of the surgery with capitate debridement or conversion to total wrist arthodesis. Conversion of proximal row carpectomy to total wrist arthoplasty with implants can be contemplated in selected patient particularly as newer implants are designed. The technique the senior author has used on occasion has been to perform revision surgery on those patients who have chronic pain who might need further debridement of the radius in the radial styloid, the proximal capitate, or evaluation of the integrity of the interposition.     

Proximal Row Carpectomy: A Worthwhile Salvage Procedure

After proximal row carpectomy 11 patients were evaluated in the six ensuing years for pain relief, satisfaction, ranges of movement, grip and precision grip strength, and radiographic picture. The median followup period was 3.1 years (range 4 months to 6 years). They were operated on for scaphoid non-union with radiocarpal arthritis, late stage Kienbo¨ck's disease, chronic scapholunate dissociation and scapholunate advanced collapse wrist deformity. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring list, which indicates the patient's degree of disability 28% (range 2%-64%) of maximum disability for the function and symptom score. Flexion, extension, and radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist improved to 47% (range 21%- 76%), 67% (range 41%-81%), 39% (range 25%-55%), and 81% (range 44%-90%) of the opposite wrist. Mean grip strength, 70% (range 22%-117%) of the opposite site, while the three precision grips improved between 72% and 79%. A review of previous studies of proximal row carpectomy showed results comparable with those of our study. Compared with other treatments, it is a dependable, relatively-simple procedure that gives reliable relief of pain, preserves functional ranges of movement and grip strength, and allows most patients to return to work.     

Proximal row carpectomy: a worthwhile salvage procedure.

After proximal row carpectomy 11 patients were evaluated in the six ensuing years for pain relief, satisfaction, ranges of movement, grip and precision grip strength, and radiographic picture. The median follow-up period was 3.1 years (range 4 months to 6 years). They were operated on for scaphoid non-union with radiocarpal arthritis, late stage Kienb?ck's disease, chronic scapholunate dissociation and scapholunate advanced collapse wrist deformity. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring list, which indicates the patient's degree of disability 28% (range 2%-64%) of maximum disability for the function and symptom score. Flexion, extension, and radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist improved to 47% (range 21%-76%), 67% (range 41%-81%), 39% (range 25%-55%), and 81% (range 44%-90%) of the opposite wrist. Mean grip strength, 70% (range 22%-117%) of the opposite site, while the three precision grips improved between 72% and 79%. A review of previous studies of proximal row carpectomy showed results comparable with those of our study. Compared with other treatments, it is a dependable, relatively-simple procedure that gives reliable relief of pain, preserves functional ranges of movement and grip strength, and allows most patients to return to work.     

Outcome of proximal row carpectomy.

Fifty-one patients who had had proximal row carpectomy between 1992 and 2002 with a minimum follow-up of one year were followed up clinically and radiologically retrospectively. Their diagnoses included Kienb?ck disease (n=21), avascular necrosis of the scaphoid (n=4), nonunion of the scaphoid with osteoarthritis (n=9), and scapholunate advanced collapse (n=17). The mean follow-up was 5 years, 8 months. The mean "disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand" (DASH) score was 18. The mean patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score list was 25% of maximum disability for the function and pain score. Thirty-four patients (87%) were able to return to work a mean of six months after operation (range 3 weeks - 35 months). Nine patients (11%) required arthrodesis of the wrist and are considered as failures. Mean flexion of the wrist was 66%, extension 73%, radial deviation 74%, ulnar deviation 76%, and grip force 70% of the opposite side. Excision of the proximal row provided predictable and durable pain relief, restored functional movement and grip strength, and allowed returned to gainful employment in most of the patients.     

Proximal row carpectomy: study with a minimum of ten years of follow-up

BACKGROUND: Proximal row carpectomy is an accepted motion-sparing surgical procedure for the treatment of degenerative conditions of the wrist. However, there is little information regarding the long-term clinical and radiographic results following this procedure. METHODS: Twenty-two wrists in twenty-one patients underwent proximal row carpectomy for the treatment of degenerative arthritis between 1980 and 1992. Objective and subjective function was assessed after a minimum duration of follow-up of ten years (average, fourteen years). RESULTS: There were four failures (18%) requiring fusion at an average of seven years. All four failures occurred in patients who were thirty-five years of age or less at the time of the proximal row carpectomy (p = 0.03). The wrists that did not fail had an average flexion-extension arc of 72 degrees , associated with an average grip strength of 91% of that on the contralateral side. The patients were very satisfied with fourteen of the eighteen wrists that did not fail and were satisfied with the remaining four. The patients rated nine wrists as not painful, four as mildly painful, five as moderately painful, and none as severely painful. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 9 points. Radiographs revealed no loss of the radiocapitate space in three of the seventeen wrists for which radiographs were made, reduced space in seven, and complete loss of the space in seven. With the numbers available, there was no significant association between loss of joint space seen on radiographs and subjective and objective function. CONCLUSIONS: At the time of long-term follow-up, all patients older than thirty-five years of age at the time of a proximal row carpectomy had maintained a satisfactory range of motion, grip strength, and pain relief and were satisfied with the result. Caution should be exercised in performing the procedure in patients younger than thirty-five years of age. Although degeneration of the radiocapitate joint was seen radiographically in fourteen of the seventeen wrists, it did not preclude a successful clinical result.     

Proximal row carpectomy: a minimum 10-year follow-up study

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term clinical and radiographic results after a proximal row carpectomy (PRC). METHODS: Twenty patients with various degenerative and posttraumatic disorders of the wrist were evaluated. The evaluation consisted of a physical examination, plain radiographs, and completion of a questionnaire that assessed patient satisfaction, return to work status, occupational and recreational activities and restrictions, and pain level. RESULTS: Two patients (10%) had persistent pain after a PRC requiring a radiocapitate arthrodesis. The remaining 18 patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 13.1 years (range, 10.0-17.2 y). The average wrist range of motion was 63% and the average maximal grip strength was 83% of the opposite extremity, respectively. Seventeen patients were satisfied with their outcome. One patient complained of persistent pain and was not satisfied but did not want further surgery. All but 2 patients returned to their original occupation and activity level including all 5 patients involved in workers' compensation. Follow-up radiographs showed flattening of the proximal capitate in 6 patients. Radiocapitate arthrosis was absent/minimal in 13 patients and moderate/severe in 4 patients. The presence of radiographic changes did not correlate with patient satisfaction or degree of wrist pain. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal row carpectomy is a dependable and durable procedure that results in satisfactory pain relief in the majority of patients, maintenance of functional wrist motion and grip strength, high patient satisfaction, and ability to return to work. Progressive symptomatic deterioration of the radiocapitate articulation was not observed.     

Degenerative arthritis of the wrist: proximal row carpectomy versus scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis

Two cohort populations of 19 patients from separate institutions performing exclusively either a scaphoid excision and 4-corner arthrodesis (lunate, capitate, hamate, and triquetrum) or proximal row carpectomy (PRC) for scapholunate advanced collapse arthritis were compared. There were no preoperative differences with respect to age, gender, dominance, stage of arthritis, or preoperative measures of pain and function. The length of the follow-up period averaged 28 months for the 4-corner arthrodesis group compared with 19 months for the PRC patients. At the follow-up examination wrist motion revealed no significant differences in the flexion-extension arc, averaging 81 degrees in the PRC patients and 80 degrees following 4-corner arthrodesis, which was 62% and 58%, respectively, of the opposite wrist. The 4-corner arthrodesis patients maintained greater radial deviation and total percent radial-ulnar deviation of the wrist. Grip strength averaged 71% for the PRC group compared with 79% for the 4-corner arthrodesis patients. Pain relief was similar using a variety of measures and patient satisfaction was equivalent. Function was similar except that the 4-corner arthrodesis patients scored significantly higher on the mental health component of the short form-36 health status survey. No differences were seen on the physical health component or an outcome scale specifically designed for the wrist. Both PRC and scaphoid excision and 4-corner arthrodesis are motion-preserving options for the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse arthritis with minimal subjective or objective differences in short-term follow-up evaluations.     

Scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse arthritis--update on evaluation and treatment

Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse are common patterns of wrist arthritis. Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse is caused by trauma, whereas SLAC wrist may also result from chronic pseudogout and can appear bilaterally without a clear history of injury. Surgical treatment for SLAC wrist includes 4-corner arthrodesis, capitolunate arthrodesis, complete wrist arthrodesis, proximal row carpectomy (PRC), denervation, and radial styloidectomy. Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist has the additional surgical option of excision of the distal ununited scaphoid fragment. Controversy persists over the relative merits of PRC versus 4-corner arthrodesis and whether PRC may be performed in the setting of capitate arthritis.     

Four-corner fusion of the wrist: clinical and radiographic outcome of 31 patients

Background

Four-corner fusion is a rational surgical option for the management of degenerative conditions of the wrist. Most related studies have compared four-corner fusion with scaphoid excision or proximal row carpectomy, with a variety of reported results. To enhance the literature, we performed this study to evaluate a series of patients with degenerative conditions of the wrist treated with four-corner fusion using 3 surgical techniques and to discuss the clinical and radiographic outcome of the patients.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively studied 31 patients (24 men, 7 women; mean age, 43 years; 9 heavy manual laborers) who underwent four-corner fusion of their wrists for degenerative conditions from 2005 to 2015. Internal fixation was done using multiple Kirschner wires (14 patients), headless compressive screws (8 patients), or a circular plate (9 patients). Mean follow-up was 4 years (1–11 years). We evaluated the clinical outcome with the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score and fusion with radiographs.

Results

All patients experienced improvement of their pain, function, range of motion and grip strength (p < 0.05). Twenty-three patients (74 %) reported no pain, and eight patients reported mild, occasional pain. Twenty-one patients (68 %) were able to do usual and specific activities. Mean wrist motion improved to 70 % and mean grip strength improved to 85 % of opposite wrist. Two heavy manual labor patients requested a job modification because of wrist impairment. Radiographs of the wrist showed fusion of all fused joints in 28 (90.3 %) patients and partial fusion in three patients (9.7 %). No patient with partial fusion required a reoperation for symptomatic nonunion until the period of this study. Three patients experienced complications (10 %). Two patients treated with a circular plate experienced complex regional pain syndrome and painful implant impingement; another patient treated with Kirschner wires and headless compression screws experienced radiolunate arthritis from impingement of the lunate screw to the radius.

Conclusions

Four-corner fusion is a reliable limited wrist fusion technique that provides pain relief, grip strength and satisfactory range of motion in patients with degenerative conditions of the wrist. Partial union is more common with Kirschner wire fixation and complications are more common with circular plate fixation.

     

Clinical evaluation of proximal row carpectomy revealed by follow-up for 10–29 years

To investigate the long-term clinical results of proximal row carpectomy for treating chronic wrist injuries, we collected the postoperative results of ten patients who underwent this procedure between 1978 and 1996. The evaluation was based on Gartland and Werley and modified Green and O’Brien scoring systems. The follow-up ranged from ten to 29 years. Nine patients could perform daily activities properly, two experienced occasional pain and one moderate pain. Eight patients were rated as excellent, two were good, while none was fair or poor by the former scoring system. Seven patients were rated as good, three were fair and none was excellent or poor by the latter scoring system. No apparent degenerative change was found in the radiocapitate joints apart from a slight change in one patient. The operation is a dependable and durable procedure that results in satisfactory pain relief, improved functional wrist motion and grip strength, allowing most patients to resume their previous work.     

Clinical retrospective evaluation of the arthroscopic treatments of the triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is the retrospective clinical evaluation of the arthroscopic treatments for triangular fibrocartilage complex tears.MethodsBetween 2003 and 2010, 76 patients with a traumatic lesion (Palmer type 1) and 25 patients with a degenerative lesion (Palmer type 2) of the triangular fibrocartilage complex underwent wrist arthroscopy. Clinical evaluations were based on the Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), on a compared measurement of the grip force and on a measurement of the different ranges of motion. We also made a subjective evaluation of the benefit brought by arthroscopy and a retrospective evaluation of the pre and postoperative pain.ResultsMean MMWS was 86.3 for traumatic lesions and 83 for degenerative lesions. Mean grip force was 84.8 (Palmer type 1) and 84.2 (Palmer type 2) compared to the controlateral side. Mean ranges of flexion-extension, prosupination and radioulnar motions were 135°, 164° and 56° respectively for traumatic lesions and 130°, 156° and 54° respectively for degenerative lesions. Ninety-four percent of the operated patients reported an improvement of the symptomatology with better results for type 1 (98.7%) compared to type 2 (80%). We noted a clear diminution of the postoperative pain compared to the preoperative's one with frequently some mild persistent pain however.ConclusionsArthroscopic treatments of the triangular fibrocartilage complex seem to be effective with an improvement of the symptomatology.     

The SLAC wrist: scapholunate advanced collapse pattern of degenerative arthritis

Four thousand wrist x-ray films were reviewed to establish the pattern of sequential changes in degenerative arthritis of the wrist. After eliminating all other arthritides, we studied 210 cases of degenerative arthritis. The most common pattern (57%) was arthritis between the scaphoid, lunate, and radius; 27% of cases occurred between the scaphoid, trapezium, and trapezoid; a combination of these two patterns occurred in 15%. Twenty operations were performed on 19 patients with the scapholunate advanced collapse pattern. Eighteen of 19 patients had less pain postoperatively and none required pain medication. Flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation motions showed considerable improvement after the operation.     

Proximal row carpectomy versus four-corner arthrodesis as a treatment for SLAC (scapholunate advanced collapse) wrist

Four-corner arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy are motion-preserving salvage solutions for the scapholunate advanced collapse wrist. We compared both procedures in a non-randomised, retrospective study of 30 cases with a mean follow-up of 3(1/2) years. Pain relief and functional gain were equal in both treatment groups. However, the complication rate was higher in the four-corner arthrodesis group, partly because of the need for internal fixation. The higher incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome following four-corner arthrodesis is intriguing. We also found significant differences in the duration of hospital stay and of postoperative sick leave in favour of proximal row carpectomy. If the cartilage on the capitate head is well preserved (Stages I-II), we prefer proximal row carpectomy because of the socio-economic benefits, the lower complication rate and the ease of the procedure. Degenerative changes following proximal row carpectomy may be a concern in young manual labourers, but have not been observed.     

Self-identified functional limitations improve in patients with degenerative wrist arthritis after surgery

Study DesignThis is a prospective cohort pilot study.BackgroundDegenerative wrist arthritis leads to pain, loss of strength, mobility, function, and impairments in psychological well-being. Accurate assessment of functional limitations that are unique to the individual is essential for successful treatment that best meets those specific needs.Purpose of the StudyTo identify and determine if self-identified functional limitations improve in patients who underwent surgery for degenerative wrist arthritis.MethodsPatients with degenerative wrist arthritis who were scheduled for surgery were prospectively recruited (n = 14, mean age + SD = 42 + 16, 10 males, 4 females) into a pilot study that measured self-identified functional limitations and outcomes. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of scapholunate advanced collapse, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, scapholunate interosseous ligament tear, or Kienböck disease. Exclusion criteria included a history of neuromuscular disease or concomitant ipsilateral musculoskeletal injury. Data were collected during two 20-minute sessions, preoperatively and one year postoperatively, utilizing the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.ResultsAll patients reported significant decreases (P < .001) in total pain (mean change = 17.6, SD = 8.5) and total disability (mean = 17.8, SD = 9.1) on the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation from presurgery to postsurgery, with a large effect size of d > 0.8. Patients also reported significant improvements (P < .001) in mean performance (mean = 3.5, SD = 1.5) and mean satisfaction (mean = 4.0, SD = 2.1) with self-identified activities on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, with an effect size of d > 0.8.ConclusionPatients with degenerative wrist arthritis reported significant postoperative improvement in both performance and satisfaction in self-identified activities. Consideration of patient-specified goals can inform both patients and clinicians during the surgical decision-making process and allow for more individualized care.     

Total volar extrusion of the lunate and scaphoid proximal pole with concurrent scapholunate dissociation

This article describes a case of a 24-year-old man with a total volar extrusion of the lunate and scaphoid proximal pole with concurrent scapholunate dissociation. The viability of the lunate and the proximal pole of the scaphoid are at high risk in this type of injury. Scaphoid nonunion, avascular necrosis of the lunate and proximal pole of the scaphoid, and carpal instability are inevitable unless the blood supply is restored. Thus, proximal row carpectomy at injury may be an acceptable option to avoid these complications and late sequelae, including chronic wrist pain and dysfunction. However, the authors attempted accurate reduction of the extruded bones and internal fixation.Final radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging 12 years postoperatively showed healing without avascular necrosis. Carpal indices involving the scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, and carpal height ratio were similar in both wrists without evidence of carpal instability or collapse. Range of motion and grip power were 75% and 76%, respectively, compared with those of the uninjured wrist. Clinical scores showed good results, and the patient reported no pain during activities of daily living and was satisfied with his surgical results. Open reduction and internal fixation can be a viable option in this rare pattern of injury.     

Two cases of pisiform bone impingement syndrome after proximal row carpectomy

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is an established surgical procedure used to treat post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the wrist with sparing of the midcarpal joint and advanced aseptic necrosis such as lunatomalacia. Proximalization of the distal carpal row following PRC may lead to secondary problems such as radiocarpal impingement. At follow-up, two of our patients complained about ulnar-sided wrist pain after proximal row carpectomy. Computed tomography (CT) scans were taken for both patients with an additional magnetic resonance imaging scan for one patient. The CT scan revealed clear osteolysis consistent with a pisiform bone impingement on the ulnar styloid process in both the cases, and also on the hamate in one patient. An impingement syndrome of this nature has not previously been described and should be kept in mind when patients report ulnocarpal symptoms after PRC.     

Proximal row carpectomy: a motion-preserving procedure in the treatment of advanced Kienbock's disease

Kienbock's disease is an isolated disorder of the lunate bone resulting from vascular compromise to the bone. In stage IV, degenerative changes are present at the midcarpal joint, the radiocarpal joint, or both. The goal of proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is the creation of a new joint between the capitate and the radius. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the functional outcome after PRC in late stage Kienbock's disease. The evaluation included assessment of range of motion, grip strength, and pain reduction. Twelve wrists in 12 patients underwent proximal row carpectomy for the treatment of stage IV Kienbock's disease between 2002 and 2005. Objective and subjective function was assessed. The average length of follow-up was 2 years (range, 9 months to 4 years). There was one failure (8.3%) requiring fusion at three years. The eleven wrists that did not fail (91.7%) had an average flexion-extension are of 70 degrees, associated with an average grip strength of 80% of the contralateral side; all patients were very satisfied. The patients rated nine wrists as not painful, two as mildly painful, and one as moderately painful. Radiographs revealed reduced radiocapitate space in five and complete loss of the space in one. With the numbers available, there was no significant association between loss of joint space seen on radiographs and subjective and objective function. Overall, proximal row carpectomy had maintained a satisfactory range of motion, grip strength, and pain relief, and all twelve patients with Kienbock's disease, except one, were satisfied with the results and returned to their previous occupations. Caution should be exercised in performing the procedure in a young, heavy manual working patient.     

Long-term assessment of proximal row carpectomy for chronic perilunate dislocations

Twelve patients with chronic stage III or stage IV perilunate dislocations were managed over the past 7 years by proximal row carpectomy. All dislocations were untreated or incompletely reduced for a minimum of 8 weeks after injury. The mean time from injury to definitive treatment was 15 weeks (range, 8 weeks to 6 months). Surgical management was inclusive of a dual dorsal and volar approach. Median nerve decompression, lunate excision, and capsuloligament repair was performed volarly and scaphoid and triquetrum carpectomy was accomplished dorsally. Temporary radio capitate K-wire fixation during early soft tissue healing was uniformly performed. All patients were evaluated at an average postoperative duration of 40 months (range, 28 months to 7 years). Marked relief of wrist pain and median nerve dysesthesias was routinely achieved. Effective wrist range of motion and grip strength were restored. Untreated stage III and IV chronic perilunate dislocation treated by proximal row carpectomy eliminates pain and restores function to a severely injured wrist.