The Efficacy of Proximal Row Carpectomy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of proximal row carpectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the cases of 14 patients who had undergone proximal row carpectomy between April 1996 and January 2006. All of the patients were men with an average age of 37.5 years (range, 25-64 years). The mean follow-up period was 59 months (range, 18-101months). Evaluation of results was based on x-ray analysis, pain relief, the ability to return to work, activity level, range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Pain relief was classified as very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. RESULTS: The subjective results of pain relief were very satisfied in 6 cases, satisfied in 7 cases, dissatisfied in 1 case. 7 cases (50%) returned to previous occupations and 11 cases (79%) had little restriction on their daily activities. The total arc was improved from average 42 degree to 59 degree. The grip strength using Jamar dynanometer was increased from average 7.8 lbs (10.5% of the unaffected side) to average 33 lbs (44% of the unaffected side). CONCLUSION: Proximal row carpectomy is an effective surgery with preserving ROM and function for patients with wrist pain and diminished function if it is done within proper indication.

A comparative study of the surgical procedures to treat advanced Kienbock's disease

We have treated a total of 16 cases of advanced Kienbock's disease, stage III and IV by Lichtman's classification, with triscaphe fusion, tendon ball replacement arthroplasty after excision of lunate, proximal row carpectomy as a salvage procedure and limited wrist fusion, since 1985. All cases were followed for minimal 16 months after each operation. Tendon ball replacement arthroplasty after excision of lunate could not prevent further carpal collapse with persistent chronic wrist pain. The triscaphe fusion or radio-lunate fusion induced a marked limited wrist motion later, and the triscaphe fusion alone was not fit for the treatment of advanced one because of progressive proximal migration of capitate and continuous wrist pain due to ligamentous carpal instability in follow-up. So we tried to simultaneously combine tendon ball replacement arthroplasty after excision of lunate with triscaphe fusion in far advanced Kienbock's disease, and their end results was favorable. Proximal row carpectomy could be done in far advanced Kienbock's disease with reasonably painless wrist motions. The overall end results of proximal row carpectomy are much better than any form of carpal arthrodesis. Conclusively the proper way to treat advanced Kienbock's disease seems to depend on the patient's age, their job and sex, and the stage of disease. And the cause of wrist pain in advanced Kienbock's disease seems due to ligamentous carpal instability rather than osteoarthritis on radio-lunate joint.