Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis Research Articles

Outcomes after radioscapholunate arthrodesis for intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures.

To study the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes after of radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion for intra-articular malunion of the distal radius. This retrospective study included 26 patients (17 males and 9 females) with intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures who underwent RSL arthrodesis using locked miniplates (without distal scaphoid excision) between 2012 and 2020. Their mean age was 43 years (range, 32-56). Patients were assessed radiographically for union and clinically for range of motion, grip strength, and pain (assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain). Functional evaluation was performed by using the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS) and the Disabilities for the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. All patients showed complete healing at the fusion site after a mean of 8.7 weeks (range, 8-12). The mean follow-up period was 72 months (range, 60-84). The pinch strength improved from a mean of 6.2kg (range, 3-12) to a mean of 9.8kg (range, 5-18) which represents 80% of the contralateral side. The mean pinch strength was 7 kg (range, 5-18) which presents 80% of the other side. VAS for pain showed a mean improvement of 72.6%. The DASH score improved to a mean of 19.2 (range, 14-24). The MMWS improved to a mean of 68 (range, 45-86). At the final follow-up period, no degenerative changes were detected in the midcarpal joint. RSL arthrodesis (using locked miniplates without distal scaphoid excision)is a reliable surgical procedure to manage cases of radiocarpal OA after intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractureswith good clinical and radiological outcomes. Level IV- therapeutic.

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis in Patients With Inflammatory and Posttraumatic Arthritis.

Radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion is performed for painful radiocarpal arthritis that is typically posttraumatic or inflammatory in nature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with inflammatory conditions undergoing RSL fusion had comparable outcomes as those with posttraumatic arthritis and to determine factors impacting union. This was a retrospective review of all RSL fusions over a 25-year period. Demographic information, wrist range of motion, postoperative complications, and surgical technique, including presence or absence of resection of distal scaphoid pole, data were collected. Radiographs were examined for evidence of healing of the RSL fusion site as well as development of midcarpal arthritis. Fifty-six patients underwent RSL fusion. Eight patients required revision of radiocarpal arthrodesis for painful nonunion. The fusion rate was 85.7%, and median 25th to 75th percentile (time to healing was 4.0 3.2-5.2) months. There were no differences in time to or rate of union by inflammatory arthropathy status. Grip strength increased significantly and pain decreased significantly with surgery. Union rate was 90% with the use of K-wires, screws, or staples, which was significantly greater than plates, fusion cups, or multiple implant types. The use of autologous bone graft significantly decreased the rate of nonunion and significantly decreased time to union by 3 months compared to allograft alone. Extension was significantly improved with scaphoid distal pole resection versus without distal scaphoid pole resection. Radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion is an effective treatment for radiocarpal arthritis but has high nonunion rates. Fixation with K-wires, screws, or staples and use of autograft confers improved union rate.

Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis

Radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis is a partial wrist fusion procedure used to treat post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the radioscaphoid and radiolunate joints. The goal of the RSL arthrodesis procedure is to selectively fuse diseased, arthritic segments while preserving motion within the midcarpal joints. The authors’ preferred method for RSL arthrodesis utilizes headless compression screws placed dorsally through the distal radius. The same site is used to harvest cancellous bone autograft to aid in fusion across the radiocarpal joints. The procedure can be augmented by removing the distal pole of the scaphoid and/or triquetrum, which have been shown to improve radiographic and clinical outcomes. Recent studies analyzing outcomes of RSL arthrodesis utilizing different fixation methods and graft types have shown comparable results with low nonunion rates. RSL arthrodesis is a safe and efficacious procedure with a low complication profile when indicated correctly.

Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis and Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Wrist Arthritis: A Surgical Technique

Introduction: We describe the treatment of rheumatoid radiocarpal joint and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis with radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis and DRUJ arthroplasty in 2 patients with 2 years follow-up. The RSL arthrodesis utilizes nitinol staples and local distal radius autograft to fuse the scaphoid and lunate to the distal radius. Materials and Methods: One patient was treated in their nondominant extremity, and the other patient had bilateral procedures. A constrained endoprosthesis was used for the DRUJ arthroplasty portion, using the same dorsal approach to the wrist as the RSL arthrodesis. Results: Before his procedures, this first patient-reported a Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score of 66, which improved to 16 at 2 years postoperatively. He also reported a Visual Analog Scale score of 6/10 at rest in both wrists preoperatively. Following his procedures, Visual Analog Scale scores improved to 3/10 in the right wrist and 0/10 in the left wrist. Active wrist range of motion was measured to be a 60-degree arc on the right and a 47-degree arc on the left. Our second patient reported an improved QuickDASH score from 97 preoperatively to 68 at 2 years postoperatively and had a 70-degree arc of left wrist range of motion. No postoperative complications or reoperations were encountered in the cases. Discussion: The benefit of this technique is to allow simultaneous treatment of radiocarpal joint arthritis with RSL arthrodesis, permitting wrist flexion and extension through the midcarpal joints, and DRUJ arthritis with DRUJ arthroplasty, preserving pronation and supination.

Madelung Deformity: Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis With a Neo-DRUJ.

Madelung deformity is a rare wrist anomaly that causes considerable pain while restricting function. In this study, we describe a radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis with a neo-distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in Madelung deformity patients with an abnormal sigmoid notch and compare results to patients after a reverse wedge osteotomy. Six wrists underwent RSL arthrodesis with a neo-DRUJ in a two-phase approach: (1) modified RSL arthrodesis with triquetrectomy; and (2) distal scaphoidectomy. Seven wrists underwent a reverse wedge osteotomy procedure. There were no differences found in postoperative pain, grip strength, or range of motion (ROM), apart from extension, which was decreased after RSL arthrodesis with a neo-DRUJ. Quality of life and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scores were similar. Although clinical outcome parameters are not different among the two groups, the RSL arthrodesis with construction of a neo-DRUJ could prove a valid treatment option for a subset of patients with a severely affected sigmoid notch.

A Systematic Review of Radiolunate and Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis

PurposeThe aims of this systematic review were to examine the use of radiolunate (RL) or radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis as surgical management for patients with advanced radiocarpal arthritis that failed conservative management and to assess postoperative outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception through December 2019. We identified complete manuscripts written in English reporting on RL or RSL arthrodesis for treatment of wrist pathology that included the primary outcomes (pain or grip strength) and at least 2 secondary outcomes (range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, or nonunion). Data pooling was used to calculate weighted averages.ResultsWe identified 2,252 articles and selected 13 for inclusion. Across all studies, RSL arthrodesis was performed for 180 patients (49% female; 45 years old) and RL for 94 (87% female; 50 years old). Both procedures exhibited improvements in pain score and grip strength. Both cohorts demonstrated postoperative changes in flexion-extension arc, flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, supination, and pronation after data pooling. The nonunion rate for RSL was 15% versus 2% for RL, whereas the rate of progression to total wrist arthrodesis for RSL and RL was 4% and 0%, respectively.ConclusionsBoth RL and RSL arthrodesis can be successfully used to manage debilitating radiocarpal arthritis by affording patients with pain reduction. Each has its own benefits, in which RSL arthrodesis provides a total arc of motion within the functional demands of most activities of daily living, and RL arthrodesis has low rates of nonunion and progression to total wrist arthrodesis. Further research is needed to compare the 2 surgeries directly and prospectively in comparable patient groups.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic III.

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis versus radiolunate arthrodesis in rheumatoid wrist surgery: Clinical and radiographic outcomes

Radiolunate arthrodesis is a validated surgical technique in rheumatoid wrist surgery. When the radioscaphoid joint is involved or when there is radiolunate instability, a radioscapholunate arthrodesis must be preferred. The objective was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes for both types of arthrodesis. Patients were evaluated retrospectively at a minimal follow-up of 12 months after radiolunate arthrodesis (RL-A group) or radioscapholunate arthrodesis (RSL-A group). Mean follow-up was 10.7 years (1–25 years). One hundred and one patients were included in RL-A group and 26 in RSL-A group. At follow-up, pain level was significantly reduced by 3.7 points and by 2.9 points in RL-A and RSL-A groups, respectively. Mobility in flexion/extension was significantly reduced by 25° in both groups. DASH and PRWE scores were 42.9 and 41.4 in RL-A group, 41.8 and 20.6 in RSL-A group, respectively. Larsen stage for the midcarpal joint increased significantly in both groups (+0.8 in RL-A group; +0.9 in RSL-A group), carpal height index decreased (−0.03 in RL-A group (significant); −0.02 in RSL-A group (non-significant)), carpal ulnar translation index increased (+0.038 in RL-A group; +0.037 in RSL-A group), without significant difference between both groups. Nonunion rate was significantly higher in RSL-A group (62%) than in RL-A group (30%). A pain free and functional wrist can be obtained after radiolunate and radioscapholunate arthrodesis. However, arthritis lesions and carpal deformities increased with follow-up similarly with both surgical techniques. Our results have shown that radiolunate arthrodesis remains a reliable surgical procedure for advanced rheumatoid wrist.

A Biomechanical Comparison of Modified Radioscapholunate Fusion Constructs for Radiocarpal Arthritis

This biomechanical study compared fixation constructs used in radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis. We hypothesized that plates and screws, pin plate, and headless screws would all provide similarly stable fixation constructs. We chose 27 fresh-frozen cadaveric extremities, 14 of which were matched pairs and randomized them into 3 groups to match age, body mass index, and sex. An RSL arthrodesis was simulated with plates and screws, pin plates, or headless compression screws via a standard dorsal approach to the wrist. Specimens were mounted into a custom jig and cycled through an arc of 120° for 5,000 cycles to simulate 6 weeks range of motion (ROM). A 9-mm stroke differential variable reluctance transducer recorded continuous displacement, and gross hardware failure in the form of screw or pin cutout was investigated after the simulation. Greater distraction across the RSL articulation was observed in the headless screws compared with the plate-and-screws and pin-plate constructs, with no difference between the plates and screws and pin plates. Greater average displacement was observed in the headless screws compared with the plate-and-screws and pin-plate constructs, with no difference between the pin plates and plates and screws. Gross hardware failure was observed least in plates and screws followed by pin plates. Plate-and-screw and pin-plate constructs are biomechanically superior in resisting RSL distraction compared with headless compression screws for RSL arthrodesis over 6 weeks of simulated ROM in the absence of healing. The results of this study demonstrated negligible arthrodesis site distraction in the plate-and-screws and pin-plate constructs when 6 weeks of ROM was simulated. When translated to a clinical scenario, these findings may allow earlier discontinuation of external immobilization after surgery.

Carpal Instability Nondissociative Following Acute Wrist Fractures

Carpal malalignment following intra-articular fractures has been reported in the literature, with no clear description of possible ligamentous injury leading to the radiological appearance. This study presents a series of patients that developed carpal instability nondissociative (CIND) following acute wrist fractures. The mechanism of injury is postulated by using a cadaveric laboratory investigation. Twelve patients with average age of 32 years were identified with CIND, between 2013 and 2018. Ten patients with a normal carpal alignment in the initial postoperative radiographs exhibited CIND-palmar radiographically at different postoperative periods, and 2 patients showed CIND-dorsal in the initial postoperative x-rays. Four cadaveric specimens were used to validate this injury pattern. In cadaveric dissections, CIND-palmar could be reproduced by applying an axial loading and dorsal shearing force on a wrist with sequential sectioning of dorsal and palmar extrinsic wrist ligaments. For the intra-articular fractures with CIND-dorsal, the cause is likely a result of volar radiocarpal extrinsic ligament injury combined with intra-articular incongruity of the scaphoid fossa. Eight out of the 12 patients had severe wrist pain and underwent additional surgery. Three patients with reducible CIND-palmar had open capsular repair, and 5 patients with fixed nonreducible malalignment were treated with radioscapholunate arthrodesis. At an average follow-up of 2.3 years, pain relief was noted, together with an improvement in grip strength and range of movement. Radiographically, the wrist alignment was corrected and maintained. This article highlights the existence of possible concomitant radiocarpal ligament lesions and residual articular incongruity, associated with acute intra-articular fractures and radiocarpal fracture-dislocations, that destabilize the proximal carpal row into a pattern of nondissociative carpal instability. Early detection of this condition may preserve wrist function by capsular repair, whereas cases with fixed deformity and residual joint incongruity may be best managed with a limited radiocarpal arthrodesis. Diagnostic IV.

Radioskapholunäre Arthrodese mit Entfernung des distalen Skaphoidpols von palmar

Radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis with distal scaphoidectomy using an angular stable plate and palmar access in post-traumatic or degenerative osteoarthritis limited to the radiocarpal joint. Osteoarthritis limited to the radiocarpal joint with intact mediocarpal joint after malunited intra-articular distal radius fractures, rheumatoid osteoarthritis, scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) up to stageII. Mediocarpal osteoarthritis, poor patient compliance, SLAC from stageIII, osteitis. The palmar RSL arthrodesis is performed using the palmar approach between the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the radial artery. After releasing the pronator quadratus muscle, alongitudinal capsulotomy is performed and the radiocarpal joint is inspected. After correction of avolar or dorsal intercalated segmental instability of the lunate, the lunate is temporarily fixed to the scaphoid using aK-wire. The distal quarter of the scaphoid and the palmar rim of the distal radius is resected and the cartilage between the scaphoid, lunate and distal radius is removed. The scaphoid and lunate are temporarily fixed to the distal radius using K‑wires. Under image intensifier control the angular stable low-profile plate (e.g., volar 2.5 Trilock RSL Fusion plate [Medartis® Aptus® Basel, Switzerland]) is fixed to the distal radius in the long-leg hole. The scaphoid and lunate are fixed distally with two screws each. The carpus is pushed distally using aCodeman distractor and the cancellous bone graft is impacted. Finally, the shaft is fixed with angular stable screws. Immobilization using aplaster cast or thermoplastic short-arm orthosis for 5weeks. After 2weeks, the orthosis can be removed during hand therapy with active wrist and finger exercises. Normal activities permitted after 12 weeks. Palmar RSL arthrodesis and distal scaphoidectomy using angular stable plate fixation shows ahigh union rate and pain relief while maintaining good residual mobility of the wrist.

Triquetrum Excision in Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis for Posttraumatic Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis With Ulnar Impaction Syndrome.

Dependent on fracture type, concomitant carpal injuries, and operative treatment, distal radius fractures can lead to symptomatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis. In addition, radial shortening can cause ulnar impaction syndrome. Radiocarpal arthrodesis and ulnar shortening osteotomy are known and frequently applied surgical procedures for each of those pathologies. There are limited data concerning treatment options for a combined disorder. The presented technique in this article demonstrates that radioscapholunate arthrodesis with distal pole scaphoidectomy and total triquetrum excision successfully treats both symptomatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis and ulnar impaction syndrome without further surgery on the ulna.

Radioscapholunate Fusion for Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis: Prognostic Factors of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

Background Radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion is a surgical option to manage radiocarpal osteoarthritis. Many authors upgrade the procedure by adding distal scaphoid excision with or without excision of the triquetrum. Our objective was to identify the prognostic factors for good clinical and radiographic outcomes of RSL arthrodesis. Purpose Distal scaphoid excision improves both scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis and radiocarpal fusion, and excision of the triquetrum is not critical to achieving satisfactory outcomes. Methods In this retrospective and bicentric investigation, all wrists were managed with RSL fusion for posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis. A total of 85 patients were included and evaluated at the revision by clinical (pain, wrist motion, and strength), functional (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation score, and Modified Mayo Wrist Score), and radiological (scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal, midcarpal osteoarthritis, and radiocarpal nonunion) examinations. We assessed prognostic factors for clinical and radiographic (osteoarthritis and nonunions) outcomes. Results The average follow-up was 9.1 years (1-21.4). Work-related accidents adversely impacted the clinical outcomes, and distal scaphoid excision significantly improved them and decreased scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis and nonunion. Neither distal scaphoid excision nor excision of the triquetrum influenced midcarpal osteoarthritis. Radiocarpal fusion was significantly promoted by memory staples and bone grafting. Discussion Distal scaphoid excision should be preferred to improve the functional results while decreasing scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis and radiocarpal nonunion rates. Excision of the triquetrum appears to be an alternative to radioulnar resection-arthroplasty to solve ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. Strict surgical procedure must be observed to promote RSL fusion combining solid bone fixation and the use of bone graft. Level of evidence This is a level IV, case series, retrospective series.

A blinded, randomized trial comparing bicolumnar arthrodesis to radioscapholunate arthrodesis in scapholunate advanced collapse II arthritis: a pilot study.

I.

Volar Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis and Distal Scaphoidectomy After Malunited Distal Radius Fractures

The purpose of this study was to assess range of motion (ROM), pain, and incidence of radiographic degenerative joint disease (DJD) after volar radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis and distal scaphoidectomy (DSE) following malunited distal radius fractures (DRF). Fourteen patients with malunited DRF and DJD limited to the radiocarpal joint underwent RSL arthrodesis and DSE between 2006 and 2014. These were retrospectively analyzed both clinically and radiologically. Eleven patients with a mean follow-up of 63 months (range, 30-97 months) were included in the final analysis because 1 was unavailable and 2 had died. The outcome was evaluated using parameters of pain, ROM, grip strength, nonunion rate, and DJD of the adjacent joints. In addition, self-assessment by patients was registered on the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. To investigate DJD and union, a computed tomography (CT) scan at the final follow-up visit was performed. All patients showed union and no midcarpal DJD in the CT scans at final follow-up. The mean ROM in extension was 53°, flexion 42°, supination 81°, pronation 85°, radial deviation 10° and ulnar deviation 25°. The ROM in extension, extension/flexion arc, and supination improved significantly after surgery. Patients achieved a mean of 80% of grip strength compared with the other hand. Volar angular stable plate RSL arthrodesis with resection of the distal scaphoid pole is a safe and effective method for treating malunited DRF. This leads to an improved ROM and low pain level. Therapeutic IV.

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis with distal excision of the distal scaphoid pole: Intraoperative measurement of range of motion and bone graft coming from a radial cortical flap

Objectives: In a series of 9 cases with radio-carpal arthritis from trauma that benefitted from a radioscapholunate arthrodesis with excision of the distal scaphoid pole, we desired to measure the perioperative range of motion to see if mobility was preserved after the operation. We also sought to describe our graft technique with a bone cover coming from the cortical distal radius. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from nine patients that benefitted from this surgical technique and we documented the clinical and radiological information. Results: With a mean follow-up of three years, we had the following perioperative results: flexion 44°, extension 41°, ulnar deviation 24° and radial deviation 17°. This range of motion was depressed at postoperative follow-up. We did not observe any pseudoarthrosis. We did find a high complication rate with three cases of mediocarpal arthritis, one tendon rupture and one radiotriquetral conflict. During the postoperative period, the pain was 0/10. Conclusions: Radioscapholunate arthrodesis in the case of radiocarpal arthritis with the use of a bone graft coming from the distal radius demonstrated robust results in terms of pain. The perioperative benefit on mobility was not found during postoperative period. A bone graft using a cortical cover from the distal radius yielded favorable results with regards to bone healing.

Wrist Hemiarthroplasty for Distal Radius Fractures

Objective: Since 2005, we use a replacement and resurfacing prosthesis for complex intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. The prosthesis is composed of a radial stem and an epiphyseal-metaphyseal block articulating both with the carpal condyle and the ulnar head. This prosthesis is used in elderly and osteoporotic patients when reconstruction of the distal radius is too difficult, particularly when comminution and central impaction are associated. Materials and Methods: Since March 2005, 23 prosthesis were implanted on 23 patients (22 women and 1 man), the mean age was 77 years, from 38 to 102. Twenty-two cases concerned elderly and osteoporotic patients: 17 times for complex intra-articular fractures and 5 times for malunions. In one case, the procedure concerned a young man with a pathologic fracture (giant cell tumor). The patients were reviewed at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and then each year. Results: Twenty patients came to follow up regularly. A patient operated in 2005 died in 2010; she retained a good result at the wrist. Two patients are lost at follow-up. The mean follow-up is 56 months, from 3 to 128 months. Seventeen patients are satisfied or very satisfied, and 3 patients are moderately satisfied. Twelve patients had no pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] = 0), and 8 patients complain of pain during strength activities or barometric pain. The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score is 26. The mean mobilities are as follows: extension 62°, flexion 37°, ulnar deviation 26°, radial deviation 21°, pronation 72°, and supination 68°. The mean strength was 79% of the contralateral strength. The implants are perfectly stable on the x-rays with a mean follow-up of 56 months. In 16 cases, we found periprosthetic ossifications. Wrist hemiarthroplasty for distal radius fractures is a simple solution for very complex problem. This concept allows the treatment of the most complex distal radius fractures with metaphyseal instability and intra-articular comminution. The clinical results are good, better, and quicker than those obtained with complex reconstruction surgery. Mobility is greater than that obtained with palliative surgery: radiolunate or radioscapholunate arthrodesis. The extension of the wrist allows these old patients to push up on their hands. Conclusions: The treatment of complex intra-articular distal radius fractures by an hemiarthroplasty of the wrist is a solution we can now use in elderly and osteoporotic patients. This solution must be known for distal radius tumors.

Artrodesis radio-escafo-lunar. Experiencia en el ámbito laboral

IntroductionRadioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis is an effective procedure for the treatment of isolated and non-salvageable radiocarpal arthritis. This procedure reduces pain associated with radiocarpal arthritis, preserving mid-carpal joint function Material and methodA descriptive retrospective study was conducted on 45 patients treated with radioscapholunate arthrodesis in our hospital from 2005 to 2015. Kirschner wires were used in all cases to temporarily fix the arthrodesis and autologous bone graft from the iliac crest. ResultsA decrease of 49% decrease in grip strength was observed compared with the contralateral hand. The range of motion was 20° of flexion, 25° of extension, 7° of radial deviation, and 14° of ulnar deviation. Favourable outcomes were obtained according to the post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The percentage of conversion to total wrist arthrodesis was 15.5%, and the non-union rate was 13.3%. ConclusionsRadioscapholunate arthrodesis is an effective procedure for improving pain with a high consolidation rate that preserves mid-carpal movement. However, most of the patients obtained an incapacity for work after the procedure.

Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis Using Low-Profile Dorsal Pi Plate

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis is a desirable method to treat isolated radiolunate arthritis or ulnar translocation of the carpal bones. An intact midcarpal joint is a prerequisite for functional range of motion. Previously, high rates of nonunion were observed with these procedures, as rigid fixation was difficult to obtain with simple Kirschner wires and screws. A successful outcome depends on bringing the scaphoid, lunate, and the radius to an anatomic alignment, and rigid fixation of the arthrodesis. We describe a technique for the arthrodesis of the radioscapholunate joint from the dorsal side using a low-profile locking Pi plate. We observed the advantages of an easy approach, better visualization of the joint, and easier manipulation of the carpal bones. The Pi plate fits on the scaphoid, lunate, and the radius with minimal adjustment. It is not necessary to remove the Lister's tubercle. Pi plate allows for rigid fixation and compression between the scaphoid, lunate, and the radius by 1 compression and 1 locking screw in scaphoid and lunate, and by 2 eccentric compression screws in the radius. Rectangular retinacular flaps were used under and over the extensor tendons. We performed these arthrodeses in patients with lunate fossa arthritis after a distal radius fracture, and with ulnar translocation of the carpus. We have observed excellent clinical results with about 50% of wrist motion preserved and no cases of nonunion or delayed union.

Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis With Excision of the Distal Scaphoid: Comparison of Contact Characteristics to the Intact Wrist

To evaluate the midcarpal contact characteristics at the lunocapitate (LC) and scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joints in 3 wrist conditions: intact, after simulating a radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis, and after an RSL arthrodesis with distal scaphoid excision (DSE). Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were tested using a custom jig with the wrist in neutral, 15° and 30° flexion and extension, 10° radial deviation, and 20° ulnar deviation. The RSL arthrodesis was performed using 2.4-mm distal radius plates with locking screws. Using a pressure sensor, contact force, average pressure, peak pressure, and contact area at the STT and LC joints were measured for 3 conditions: intact wrist, RSL arthrodesis, and RSL arthrodesis with DSE. Following RSL arthrodesis, average and peak pressure at the LC joint increased significantly compared to the intact wrist. In the STT joint, the average and peak contact pressure increased significantly compared to the intact wrist. Following DSE, average and peak pressure at the LC joint increased further compared to the RSL arthrodesis condition. Our findings showed increased contact pressures in the STT and LC joint following RSL arthrodesis, which may explain the clinical findings of midcarpal arthritis. Also, although DSE may improve short-term range of motion and clinical incidence of midcarpal arthritis, our findings showed that this comes at a cost, as the remaining portions of the midcarpal joint are subject to higher forces and pressures following DSE. Radioscapholunate arthrodesis results in increased midcarpal contact pressures that may explain the clinical incidence of midcarpal arthritis. Excision of the distal scaphoid further increases contact pressures in the remaining midcarpal joint and may further increase the incidence of midcarpal arthritis. These alterations in contact characteristics of the midcarpal joint should be considered when excising the distal scaphoid for improved range of motion.

Results After Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis With or Without Resection of the Distal Scaphoid Pole

To evaluate the differences between radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis alone versus RSL arthrodesis with additional distal scaphoidectomy. We retrospectively evaluated 61 patients who were treated with RSL arthrodesis for painful posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Thirty patients had an RSL arthrodesis with additional resection of the distal scaphoid pole (group A), and 31 had RSL arthrodesis alone (group B). Six patients in group A and 8 in group B had the RSL arthrodesis converted to a complete wrist arthrodesis during follow-up. Those patients were excluded from the survey. Of the remaining 47 patients, 35 (20 from group A, 15 from group B) returned for a clinical and radiological examination at an average of 28 (range, 10-47) months after the index surgery. The results were rated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and the modified Mayo Wrist Score. The patients' outcomes after RSL arthrodesis with or without distal scaphoidectomy were compared for pain, wrist motion, grip strength, nonunion rate, osteoarthritis of the adjacent joints, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and the modified Mayo Wrist Score. Three patients with RSL arthrodesis alone showed a radioscaphoid nonunion. All arthrodeses in group A healed. In the clinical evaluation, there was no significant difference between groups A and B in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, the modified Mayo Wrist Score, grip strength, pain, or wrist motion. Assuming that wrist motion might be better in patients with a nonunion, the average wrist motion was recalculated after eliminating 3 patients with a radioscaphoid nonunion from group B. Radial deviation was then found to be significantly better in group A. Additional distal scaphoidectomy with RSL arthrodesis seems to improve postoperative radial deviation of the wrist. The radioscaphoid nonunion rate is high with RSL arthrodesis alone. Distal scaphoidectomy appeared to increase the successful fusion rate of RSL arthrodeses. No significant effect on wrist extension, flexion, ulnar deviation, pain level, restriction in activities of daily living, or grip strength was noted.