Radiolunate arthrodesis: A procedure for stabilising and preserving mobility in the arthritic wrist

We carried out arthrodesis of the radiolunate joint in 46 wrists (38 patients) for pain and ulnar translation of the carpus because of rheumatoid (42) or psoriatic arthritis (4). At follow-up, three patients had died and in three (1 bilateral) an additional midcarpal arthrodesis had been undertaken. The remaining 32 patients (39 wrists) were evaluated after a mean of five years. The clinical results were good with a mean visual analogue score of 8.3 for pain, 7.2 for hand function and 9 for overall satisfaction. Except for palmar flexion, mobility was equal to or better than before operation. Radiologically, there was deterioration of the midcarpal joint with an increase in the Larsen score from 1.8 to 2.7 (p < 0.001), some decrease in carpal height and recurrence of carpal translation. Radiolunate arthrodesis gives good clinical results at five years although there is some deterioration radiologically.     

Radiocarpal arthrodesis in the treatment of the rheumatoid wrist. A prospective midterm follow-up

This prospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of radiocarpal joint arthrodesis in the treatment of unstable Simmen group III and Larsen grade II or III rheumatoid wrists. Radiolunate arthrodesis was performed in 16 wrists and radioscapholunate arthrodesis in 7 wrists in 20 patients. When they were evaluated at a mean of 5.8 (range 3.5-9.8) years later, flexion was 29 degrees and extension 34 degrees , representing 67% and 92% of the preoperative values, respectively. Patient satisfaction was excellent, or good, for 20 wrists and satisfactory for 1 wrist. In two patients with poor satisfaction, arthritis progressed to the midcarpal joint and necessitated total arthrodesis of the wrist. Radiolunate joint arthrodesis, with inclusion of the scaphoid in the fusion if necessary, is a useful operation in the treatment of this degree of wrist disease as it produces a functional and pain-free wrist at the same time as preserving much of the mobility and bone stock.     

Kienbock's disease: diagnosis and treatment

Kienbock's disease, or osteonecrosis of the lunate, can lead to chronic, debilitating wrist pain. Etiologic factors include vascular and skeletal variations combined with trauma or repetitive loading. In stage I Kienbock's disease, plain radiographs appear normal, and bone scintigraphy or magnetic resonance imaging is required for diagnosis. Initial treatment is nonoperative. In stage II, sclerosis of the lunate, compression fracture, and/or early collapse of the radial border of the lunate may appear. In stage IIIA, there is more severe lunate collapse. Because the remainder of the carpus is still uninvolved, treatment in stages II and IIIA involves attempts at revascularization of the lunate-either directly (with vascularized bone grafting) or indirectly (by unloading the lunate). Radial shortening in wrists with negative ulnar variance and capitate shortening or radial-wedge osteotomy in wrists with neutral or positive ulnar variance can be performed alone or with vascularized bone grafting. In stage IIIB, palmar rotation of the scaphoid and proximal migration of the capitate occur, and treatment addresses the carpal collapse. Surgical options include scaphotrapeziotrapezoid or scaphocapitate arthrodesis to correct scaphoid hyperflexion. In stage IV, degenerative changes are present at the midcarpal joint, the radiocarpal joint, or both. Treatment options include proximal-row carpectomy and wrist arthrodesis.     

Arthroscopic resection of arthrosis of the proximal hamate: a clinical and biomechanical study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present a series of patients with arthrosis of the proximal hamate treated by arthroscopic resection. To further investigate this condition a biomechanical study also was undertaken to document the effect this proximal hamate resection has on carpal loading. METHODS: Between 1991 and 2001 there were 23 patients who had arthroscopic proximal hamate resection for the treatment of proximal hamate arthrosis. Twenty-one patients were available for final follow-up evaluation (average, 4.7 y). Patients were evaluated by using a modified wrist score that examined pain relief, patient satisfaction, range of motion, and grip strength. Six cadaver wrists had resection of the proximal hamate. Loads across the carpal and midcarpal joints were documented with pressure-sensitive film before and after proximal hamate resection. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of the patients had a type II lunate. Twenty-one of 23 wrists had lunotriquetral tears confirmed on arthroscopic examination. Follow-up evaluation revealed 14 excellent, 4 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor results. Biomechanical studies revealed that resection of 2.4 mm of the proximal hamate unloads the hamatolunate articulation without changing the load at the triquetrohamate joint. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrosis of the proximal pole of the hamate seems to be associated closely with tears of the lunotriquetral joint and may be part of the spectrum of ulnar-sided wrist degeneration. Arthroscopic resection of the proximal pole of the hamate appears to be a useful treatment in patients with symptomatic hamate arthrosis, even in those patients with lunotriquetral laxity.     

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.     

The non-dissociative clunking wrist: a personal view

Clunking of the wrist is often the result of a combined radiocarpal and midcarpal ligament insufficiency, coupled with inadequate neuromuscular coordination. When symptomatic, these wrists may benefit from splinting, isometric exercising of specific muscles and advice on activity modification. Failing this, different surgical strategies have been proposed, depending on the location of dysfunction. When the clunking derives from an isolated injury of one joint, reconstruction of its inadequate ligaments may be an effective solution. However, soft tissue procedures tend to fail when clunking results from multilevel instability. In these cases, partial carpal arthrodesis is an alternative. Although effective in eliminating the clunking, midcarpal fusion is associated with alteration of the so-called "dart-throwing" motion, the most common rotation in daily activities, and hence is not recommended. Radiolunate fusion, by contrast, appears to be a less morbid alternative, with the benefit of eliminating the painful clunking while preserving a good range of dart-throwing motion.     

Long-term results of midcarpal arthrodesis in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC-Wrist) and scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC-Wrist)

SUMMARY: Outcome evaluation of midcarpal arthrodesis in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC-wrist) and scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC-wrist). PURPOSE: Scaphoid nonunion or scapholunate ligament instability results in carpal collapse and subsequent arthrosis. These conditions, termed SLAC-wrist and SNAC-wrist, are the most common patterns of arthrosis in the wrist. The purpose of this retrospective study was the evaluation of functional outcomes following midcarpal arthrodesis and of patients' satisfaction with these outcomes. METHODS: Forty-nine patients were reexamined at a mean follow-up time of 47 months. Active range of motion (AROM) was verified with a goniometer; grip strength was measured with a JAMAR-Dynamometer II. Pain was evaluated by a visual analogue scale from zero to 100 (VAS 0-100) for stress and under resting conditions. Patients' upper-extremity functioning was captured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Radiographic evaluation of bony consolidation was verified by conventional x-ray. RESULTS: Postoperative AROM was 56% and grip strength was 76% compared with the contralateral side. The DASH score was 29 points. Pain relief was 34% at rest and 31% after stress. Forty-five patients demonstrated bony consolidation in x-ray control. Six patients (12%) further required a total arthrodesis of the wrist because of pain or absence of bony consolidation. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that midcarpal arthrodesis is a reliable procedure for treating SLAC- and SNAC-wrists in stages II and III and, furthermore, one which preserves some range of motion. Total wrist fusion should only be used in exceptional circumstances.     

Triquetral-lunate arthritis secondary to synostosis

Until recently the problem of painful, symptomatic arthritis of the wrist secondary to congenitally incomplete separation of carpal bones has been infrequently recognized. Five patients with either excessive stress loading or trauma had eight symptomatic wrists with congenitally incomplete separation of the triquetral-lunate joint. Three of these patients had bilateral symptoms. Six of the wrists had been treated by a limited wrist arthrodesis of the triquetral-lunate joint resulting in asymptomatic wrists and improved range of motion. It appears that patients with this congenital condition poorly tolerate stress loading or trauma secondary to deficient intra-articular cartilage formation resulting in a clinical and anatomic state similar to degenerative arthritis. We suggest a limited wrist arthrodesis as definitive treatment for symptomatic congenitally incomplete separation of the triquetral-lunate joint, with possible application in incomplete separation of the other intercarpal joints.     

A new plate for partial wrist fusions: results in midcarpal arthrodesis

Partial wrist fusions are commonly performed for various degenerative conditions. In this series 30 wrists had a scaphoidectomy and midcarpal arthrodesis performed with a new plate. The most common indications were SLAC and SNAC wrists. In 24 cases a four-corner arthrodesis was done and in the other six the triquetrum was not included. Mean follow-up was 3 years. Mean flexion was 31° and extension 35°. Union was achieved in all wrists despite movement being commenced early. The plates proved straightforward to use, allowing some latitude in placement. This series confirms that scaphoidectomy and midcarpal arthrodesis is a useful salvage procedure and that these plates are suitable for that purpose.     

Limited wrist fusions

Seventeen patients had wrist fusions done for diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist and carpal bones. Arthrodesis was done at the radiocarpal joint in five wrists and at the midcarpal joint in 12. There were 12 men and five women. Ages at the time of operation averaged 42 years. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 5 years and 5 months, and with an average of 1 year and 10 months. Overall postoperative results were excellent in five wrists, good in seven, fair in two, and poor in three. Wrists with the midcarpal fusion fared better than those wrists with the radiocarpal fusion. Complications included one pseudoarthrosis and one rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon. In one of the 17 wrists new osteoarthritic changes surrounding the arthrodesed joints occurred.     

A three-dimensional quantitative analysis of carpal deformity in rheumatoid wrists

We have measured the three-dimensional patterns of carpal deformity in 20 wrists in 20 rheumatoid patients in which the carpal bones were shifted ulnarwards on plain radiography. Three-dimensional bone models of the carpus and radius were created by computerised tomography with the wrist in the neutral position. The location of the centroids and rotational angle of each carpal bone relative to the radius were calculated and compared with those of ten normal wrists. In the radiocarpal joint, the proximal row was flexed and the centroids of all carpal bones translocated in an ulnar, proximal and volar direction with loss of congruity. In the midcarpal joint, the distal row was extended and congruity generally well preserved. These findings may facilitate more positive use of radiocarpal fusion alone for the deformed rheumatoid wrist.     

Chondrocalcinosis of the wrist

Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition (CPDD) disease has characteristic radiographic features including soft tissue calcification, joint space narrowing, bone sclerosis, subchondral cyst formation without osteophyte formation, and large intraosseous geodes. Triangular fibrocartilage calcification is frequently found and isolated scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) arthritis is specific for CPDD. Distal radio-ulnar (DRUJ), isolated midcarpal joint and piso-triquetral joint involvement also occur. 127 patients were reviewed. Seventy-eight had symptomatic STT joint arthritis, for which 36 underwent surgery. Twenty-two patients had a SLAC wrist deformity for which ten underwent surgery. Eight patients had isolated midcarpal arthritis for which three midcarpal arthrodeses, two four-bone arthrodeses and two carpal tunnel releases were performed. Nineteen patients had a generalized arthritis and seven of the patients underwent surgery: four-corner arthrodesis+scaphoidectomy (one case), carpal tunnel release (two cases) extensor synovectomy (two cases) and trigger finger release (two cases).     

Radioscapholunate Fusion Following Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Radius

Radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis must be considered an appropriate procedure in painful radiocarpal arthrosis following comminuted fractures of the distal radius. Despite total wrist fusion, it offers the possibility to exclusively eliminate the destroyed articulation preserving a certain degree of motion in the midcarpal joint. Accordingly, 22 patients with painful posttraumatic arthrosis of the radiocarpal joint underwent RSL fusion between 1992 and 1998. Average follow-up was 18.7 months. Postoperatively, total range of wrist motion decreased by an average of 21° E-F and 6° U-R deviation. Average grip strength of the affected wrist improved from 31.9 to 51.1 kPa. There was a considerable decrease of pain during activity and at rest. Using the DASH questionnaire, an average of 25.7 points was reached. Radiologic examination revealed no major signs of arthritis at the midcarpal joint. In one patient, nonunion as well as reactivation of deep infection secondary to an infection sustained during surgical stabilization of the initial radial fracture were recorded. In our opinion, however, RSL fusion represents a good alternative to total wrist fusion, since valuable wrist motion is preserved.     

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis

Although RSL fusion is a viable option for isolated radiocarpal arthritis, the enthusiasm for this procedure should be tempered with the reality that kinematics of the wrist is not entirely suited for independent midcarpal flexion and extension [10]. Limited wrist flexion and extension is expected following a successful RSL arthrodesis. The effects of imposed abnormal kinematics are further shown by the high incidence of RSL nonunions, occurrence of scaphoid fractures, and postoperative deterioration of the midcarpal joint [15,22]. In a young patient with posttraumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis limited to the radiocarpal joint, however, RSL arthrodesis remains a viable alternative to complete wrist arthrodesis if the midcarpal joint is normal. Internal fixation with plates and screws and distal scaphoid excision are technical alternatives to consider when an RSL arthrodesis is performed.     

Radiolunäre und radioskapholunäre Arthrodese bei chronischer Polyarthritis

INTRODUCTION: In 75% of all cases of rheumatoid arthritis the wrist is affected and in 12% is the region of initial manifestation of this chronic inflammatory joint disease. To prevent destruction of the wrist through carpal dislocation, radiolunate and radioscapholunate arthrodeses have increased in importance. METHODS: During a 6.5-year period, 28 radiolunate and 4 radioscapholunate arthrodeses were performed in 30 patients. The indication for operation was progressive carpal translation and increasing subluxation of the wrist in which existent radiological damage had not reached more than grade III according to the classification of Larsen and co-workers. RESULTS: The results obtained during the follow-up study (median: 17.3 months) showed in most treated patients after partial arthrodesis of the wrist no or fewer complaints concerning swelling and pain and an acceptable remaining range of motion of the wrist in everyday life. In patients with preoperatively existing ulnar deviation less than 15 degrees progressive carpal collapse and dislocation could be mostly prevented. CONCLUSION: All told radiolunate and radioscapholunate arthrodeses successfully stabilized the wrist in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.     

Midcarpal arthrodesis with complete scaphoid excision and interposition bone graft in the treatment of advanced carpal collapse (SNAC/SLAC wrist): operative technique and outcome assessment

Thirty-six patients with stage II or III SNAC and SLAC wrists were treated by midcarpal arthrodesis and complete scaphoid excision. When assessed at a mean follow-up of 25 months, pain was significantly reduced both under resting and stress conditions. The active range of motion was 54% of the contralateral wrist and grip strength was 65% of the non-operated hand. The mean DASH score was 28 points, the Mayo wrist score was 63 points, and the Krimmer wrist score was 68. Correlation of the wrist scores with the DASH values demonstrated a significant correlation. Our data demonstrate that midcarpal fusion with complete excision of the scaphoid is a reliable procedure for treating advanced carpal collapse.     

The unreduced carpal dislocation. A method of treatment

Unreduced lunate, perilunate, and transscaphoid perilunate dislocations present a difficult and challenging surgical problem. The authors feel that all efforts should be made to obtain a reduction of the old dislocation. They support a combined dorsal and palmar approach, open reduction, and internal fixation of scaphoid with a Herbert screw to obtain midcarpal stability. A carpal tunnel decompression should be performed if symptoms suggest median nerve entrapment. When the dislocation is unable to be reduced, the authors favor limited wrist arthrodesis or a proximal row carpectomy in the absence of significant arthritis.     

Limited arthrodesis for the rheumatoid wrist

Limited arthrodesis of the proximal carpal row to the radius, synovectomy of the extensor tendons and the wrist joint, and a Darrach procedure were carried out in 25 unstable painful rheumatoid wrists that had ulnar shift and/or palmar subluxation of the carpus. The average follow-up period after the operation was 3 years. Satisfactory results were obtained with relief of pain, improved forearm rotation, and increased grip strength. The average degree of extension and flexion was reduced, respectively, 70% and 54% at follow-up compared with the preoperative range. Postoperative x-ray films showed deterioration in the lunocapitate joint in 12 wrists; however, the wrists remained stable and painless.     

Rheumatoid wrists treated with synovectomy of the extensor tendons and the wrist joint combined with a Darrach procedure.

Forty-three rheumatoid wrists in 43 patients with bilateral wrist involvement were treated with synovectomy of the extensor tendons and wrist joint combined with a Darrach procedure in the period from 1966 to 1986. Clinical and radiologic assessment of the wrists was carried out after an average follow-up period of 11 years, with comparison of the treated and the opposite untreated wrists. The authors confirmed what others have concluded regarding the operation: pain was generally decreased, forearm rotation increased, and wrist extension and palmar flexion changed little. Radiologically, carpal collapse and palmar carpal subluxation progressed nearly parallel to the opposite wrists, but ulnar carpal shift was much greater in the surgically treated wrists. Therefore it is suggested that some measure to prevent ulnar carpal shift, such as Clayton's tendon transfer or radiolunate arthrodesis, should be included in this operation.     

Wrist arthrodesis with intercalated iliac crest graft in mutilans rheumatoid arthritis

In mutilans rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with major wrist destruction, wrist arthrodesis is recommended. This type of arthrodesis needs carpal reconstruction and stable fixation. The goal of this study was to assess the functional and anatomical outcomes of an iliac crest graft and internal fixation with two medullary pins. Six wrists in three patients suffering from RA were reviewed clinically and radiologically at an average follow-up of 25 months. We assessed the fusion of the iliac graft with the radius and the metacarpus, the preoperative and postoperative carpal height, and the bone stock in front of the thumb. All the patients had improved functionally. The iliac graft fused with the radius in all cases and fused with the metacarpus in 5 out of 6 cases; the non-union occurred in the wrist where only one pin was used. Restoration of carpal height was associated with improvements in hand function. The bone stock was sufficient to allow implantation of a trapezial cup during a total arthroplasty of the thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. No major complications occurred. An iliac graft and two pins through the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals were used to reconstruct the carpal height and to obtain wrist fusion. Internal fixation with only one pin is not recommended. Functional improvement can be attributed to the normal tension within the extrinsic flexors and extensors of fingers and thumb being restored because the carpal height was restored. A secondary TMC arthroplasty is theoretically possible.