Four-corner fusion: Comparing outcomes of conventional K-wire-, locking plate-, and retrograde headless compression screw fixations

Functional outcomes of three-corner fusion without triquetrum excision versus conventional four-corner fusion in scaphoid non-union advanced collapse G II and III in active patients: a prospective randomized control trial

INTRODUCTION

Four-corner fusion has long been the preferred treatment for stages II and III of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse with intact radiolunate articulation. Three corner fusions were then proposed as a more limited procedure with improved ulnar deviation through triquetrum excision. However, we believe triquetrum preservation would decrease the radiolunate contact pressure without affecting the ulnar deviation range.

METHODS

This prospective randomized study was performed between March 2019 and May 2021 and involved a total of 34 patients who underwent four corner fusions or three corner fusions without triquetrum excision for SNAC grade II and III. The average follow-up period was 2 years. Follow-up included radiological and clinical evaluation (range of motion, grip strength, visual analogue scale, and modified Mayo wrist scores).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups as regards the postoperative range of motion, grip strength, visual analogue scale, modified Mayo wrist scorers, and complication rate. However, the three-corner fusion group had less mean operative time compared to the four-corner fusion (mean ± SD; 77.6 ± 16.9, 103.8 ± 10.2 min - P < 0.001) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The authors concluded that three-corner fusion without triquetrum excision offered a comparable functional outcome and complication rate to four-corner fusion with less operative time in the three-corner fusion group.

Decreased Complication Rate Using Partially Threaded Compared With Fully Threaded Compression Screws in 4 Corner Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Scapho-lunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) of the wrist are the most common types of wrist arthritis. We compared the union rate and complication profile of patients with SLAC and SNAC wrist undergoing 4 corner arthrodesis with partially threaded or fully threaded headless compression screws.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review was conducted to identify all patients treated for SLAC and SNAC with 4 corner fusion using headless compression screws from 2016 to 2021. A total of 33 patients undergoing surgery on 35 wrists were identified and included in the study. Demographics, comorbidities, complication profile, and radiographs were collected and compared between groups.

RESULTS

One hundred percent (16/16) of partially threaded and 84.2% (16/19) of fully threaded screws demonstrated union by minimum 10-week follow-up. The total complication rate (avascular necrosis of lunate, screw loosening, etc.) was 31.4%; 52.6% of wrists implanted with fully threaded screws experienced complications compared with a 6.3% complication rate with partially threaded screws. The difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Four corner arthrodesis using antegrade compression screws is an effective, reproducible method to achieve fusion in the wrist. The use of fully threaded screws was associated with more complications than with partially threaded screws, although union rate was not significantly different. Future studies with larger sample sizes would be useful to fully elucidate differences between these 2 constructs.

Clinical efficacy of Ni-Ti memory alloy four-corner arthrodesis concentrator in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse: a follow-up of over 10 years

PURPOSE

Exploring the therapeutic effects of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy four-corner arthrodesis concentrator (NT-FCAC) in treating scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) and providing a decade-long follow-up report.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with SNAC underwent scaphoidectomy, along with four-corner arthrodesis fusion involving the capitate, lunate, triquetrum, and hamate, using NT-MFCAC. Grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer, while wrist joint mobility was assessed using a goniometer. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were conducted using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire to monitor limb functionality restoration. Pain levels at the wrist joint were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Postoperative wrist bone fusion status was assessed through anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the wrist joint.

RESULTS

After a 3-month postoperative period, all 26 patients exhibited osseous union at the wrist joint. Over a follow-up spanning 10-15 years, no severe postoperative complications were observed in any patient. Grip strength in the affected side of all patients recovered to 81.96% compared to the healthy side, while wrist joint mobility in the affected side reached over 60% of the healthy side's functionality. VAS scores decreased significantly from 5.85 ± 0.73 preoperatively to 0.19 ± 0.40 at the final follow-up; Quick DASH scores reduced from 69.88 ± 5.12 preoperatively to 6.30 ± 1.25 at final follow-up. Statistically significant differences were noted in VAS and Quick DASH scores for all patients (p < 0.05). However, beyond 60 months postoperatively, subsequent follow-ups did not yield statistically significant differences in VAS and Quick DASH scores for all patients (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing NT-FCAC for SNAC treated with four-corner arthrodesis fusion results in a high rate of wrist bone fusion, preserving a significant portion of wrist joint function and exhibiting favorable long-term outcomes. This approach is suitable for treating patients with SNAC requiring four-corner arthrodesis fusion.

Single- and Bicolumn Limited Intercarpal Fusion: A Solution for the SLAC or SNAC Wrist

Background  Single- or bicolumn limited intercarpal fusion, also called one- or two-column fusion, has been introduced as an alternative to four-corner fusion. The rationale behind this is obtaining less need for bone grafting and consequently improving the chances of the union. Method  From August 2014 to October 2020, 45 consecutive patients (15 women), with a mean age of 58.4 years (range: 35-79), have been treated for scapholunate advanced collapse or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist. In 33 cases, the surgery was performed as two-column fusion, and in 12 cases as one-column fusion. The union was determined by a computed tomography (CT) scan or X-ray follow-up studies. The pain assessments (visual analog score: 0-100), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were prospectively included. Results  Of 45 patients, 43 were available for the follow-up, at a mean of 35 months (range: 12-68). All patients but two achieved union at a mean of 9.5 weeks (range: 5-25 weeks). Pain diminished from 60.3 (mean) preoperatively to 16.7 (mean) postoperatively ( p  = 0.0001). Grip strength slightly increased from 28.2 KgF (mean) to 29 KgF (mean) (not significantly, p  = 0.86). Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 39.5 (median) before the surgery to 11 (median) after the surgery ( p  = 0.0004). The postoperative ROM of 62/37 degrees (mean) were recorded for total dorsovolar/radioulnar flexions, respectively. Three patients were converted to total wrist fusion and one to total wrist arthroplasty. One had a rearthrodesis to two-column fusion, which united. Conclusion  One- and two-column fusion showed significant improvement in pain and function, with minimal impairment of the grip strength on the short- to mid-term follow-up. A union rate of 95% and an acceptable complication rate were achieved, without fusing all carpals. Level of Evidence  Prospective, cohort study, level III.

Proximal ROw carpectOmy versus four-corner Fusion (PROOF-trial) for osteoarthritis of the wrist: study protocol for multi-institutional double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) are common types of wrist osteoarthritis (OA). Non-operative treatment consists of pain medication, splinting, and avoiding activities that induce pain. However, in case a course of conservative treatment is unsuccessful, operative treatment is needed. The two most conventional operative approaches for SLAC/SNAC OA are four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) and proximal row carpectomy (PRC). Although FCA is the gold-standard operative technique and may lead to superior grip strength, the evident benefit of PRC is that it obviates any need for hardware removal and controlling for bony union. To date, no high-quality randomized controlled trial comparing FCA and PRC exists. As clinical outcomes seem comparable, a trial that assesses patient-reported outcomes, adverse events, and secondary operations may guide clinical decision making between these two procedures. Thus, the aim of this multi-institutional double-blind randomized controlled trial is to study whether PRC is non-inferior to FCA in treating SLAC/SNAC OA. We hypothesize that PRC is non-inferior to FCA with lower economic expanses.

METHODS

The trial is designed as a randomized, controlled, patient- and outcome-assessor blinded multicenter, two-armed 1:1 non-inferiority trial. Patients with SLAC/SNAC-induced wrist pain meeting trial inclusion criteria will undergo wrist arthroscopy to further assess eligibility. Each patient eligible for the trial will be randomly assigned to undergo either FCA or PRC. The primary endpoint of this study is the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) at 1-year after FCA versus PRC. Secondary outcomes include Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, EQ-5D-5L, pain, grip strength, wrist active range of motion, radiographic evaluation, and adverse events. Trial design, methods, and statistical analysis plan will be presented here.

DISCUSSION

We present an RCT design comparing FCA vs PRC for SLAC/SNAC-induced OA. The results of this trial will assist in decision making when planning surgery for SLAC/SNAC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04260165 . Registered February 7, 2020.

Surgical fixation techniques in four-corner fusion of the wrist: a systematic review of 1103 cases

BACKGROUND

Four-corner fusion (4CF) is a known treatment option for degenerative wrist conditions. Different techniques may be used and there is no general consensus on best implant. As such, it was the purpose of the current systematic review to compare fusion rates and outcomes depending on the fixation technique.

METHODS

The systematic review was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42020164301. It followed the PRISMA guidelines. Original articles were screened using the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies reporting on outcome for 4CF surgery were included. Studies with a minimum Level IV of evidence were considered eligible. Quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 1103 wrists. The mean age was 41.8 years (range 19-83). Mean follow-up overall was 43.5 months (range 24-146 months). Reported fusion weighted rates were >90% and did not differ significantly between techniques. Reoperations due to different reasons occurred in 135 (12%) of all 1103. There was significant data heterogeneity regarding fusion rates (I² = 70%). Inconsistency and heterogeneity in data reporting did not allow meta-analysis with direct data pooling and comparison of subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory fusion rates (over 90%) can be achieved independent of the fixation technique used in 4-corner arthrodesis. Due to the high data heterogeneity and reporting inconsistency across studies, no statements regarding PROMs, ROM or grip strength can be made.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review of Level IV Studies.

Proximal row carpectomy generates better mid- to long-term outcomes than four-corner arthrodesis for post-traumatic wrist arthritis: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

In posttraumatic wrist arthritis of intermediate severity, two main palliative procedures are used to preserve some mobility in the wrist: proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and scaphoid excision followed by four corner arthrodesis (4CA). Despite satisfactory overall results, the debate continues about which one provides the best results and long-term outcomes, particularly prevention of arthritis progression. Recent comparative studies now provide us with information about mid- and long-term results. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results, complications, conversion rate to total wrist arthrodesis and progression to osteoarthritis of PRC versus 4CA in the medium and long term.

HYPOTHESIS

The null hypothesis was that there is no significant difference between PRC and 4CA in the clinical results, complications, conversion to total wrist arthrodesis and arthritis progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was carried out by following the PRISMA guidelines. Included were studies comparing 4CA and PRC for the treatment of post-traumatic wrist arthritis secondary to scapholunate dissociation (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion (SNAC) with a mean follow-up of 5 years. A search was performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases that identified 831 articles. After removing 230 duplicates and excluding 595 articles based on their title and/or abstract, and then adding 1 article manually, 7 articles were included in our analysis. Parameters analyzed were range of motion (ROM), pain, grip strength, functional scores, complications, conversion to total wrist arthrodesis, and arthritis progression.

RESULTS

In the 7 articles, 1059 wrists - 582 PRC and 477 4CA - were analyzed with follow-up ranging from 5.2 to 18 years. PRC produced significantly better ROM in flexion (weighted mean difference [WMD]=10.0°; p<0.01) and in ulnar deviation (WMD=8.7°; p<0.01) along with significantly lower complication rates (OR=0.3; p<0.01) and reoperation rates (OR=0.1; p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the conversion rate, grip strength, extension, radial deviation, pain, DASH and PRWE scores. The progression of osteoarthritis could not be analyzed due to lack of data.

DISCUSSION

This meta-analysis was the first to include recently published mid- and long-term studies comparing PRC and 4CA. The main finding is that PRC is superior overall with better ROM and a lower complication rate. Another important finding was the absence of differences in grip strength and the conversion rate to total wrist arthrodesis. Unfortunately, the lack of systematic studies on arthritis progression leaves this question unanswered. Our findings must be interpreted cautiously because it was impossible to stratify the cases by etiology and osteoarthritis stage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; systematic review and meta-analysis.

Four-Corner Arthrodesis: Comparative Analysis of Open Technique Versus Percutaneous Technique with Arthroscopic Assistance

Introduction  Four-corner arthrodesis is a salvage technique for patients with carpal advanced osteoarthritis. Nowadays, percutaneous techniques with arthroscopic assistance have been described, achieving favorable results with minimally invasive techniques advantages over open surgery. Objective  To compare functional and radiological results in patients with SLAC or SNAC wrists operated with open surgical technique versus percutaneous surgery with arthroscopic assistance. Materials and Methods  Retrospective case-control study of clinical records and radiological images of patients with carpal advanced osteoarthritis operated with both surgical techniques. We studied demographic variables, pain with visual analog scale (VAS) score, function in ranges of mobility, time of consolidation, and correction of DISI deformity. Results  A total of 22 male patients with an average age of 32.5 years were studied. Thirteen patients in the case group (percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance) and nine patients in the control group (open surgery). Pain score in VAS at discharge was 3 for cases and 5 in controls ( p  = 0.008), and at 30 days postoperatively, it was 0 and 3 respectively ( p  = 0.00). The extension and flexion ranges were 52.6°and 38.7° in the cases and 35.7° and 32.4° in the control group ( p  = 0.119 and 0.0016, respectively). The capitolunate angle was 10°in the controls and 5°in the cases ( p  = 0.0008). The time of consolidation was 8.8 weeks in cases and 12.5 weeks in controls ( p  = 0.039). Conclusions  The percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance for the 4-courner arthrodesis is a reproducible technique and is effective in achieving consolidation, pain reduction and preservation of wrist motion. In the present study, we demonstrate superiority of this technique over the open surgery. Level of Evidence  This is a Level III, therapeutic study.

Four-corner fusion: Clinical and radiological outcome after fixation by headless compression screws or dorsal locking plate at minimum 5 years' follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Among the various procedures for degenerative carpal lesions, four-corner fusion relieves pain while conserving motion and strength. There are various fixation options, not presently standardised.

HYPOTHESIS

Internal fixation by screws or dorsal locking plate provides good 5-year clinical results in four-corner fusion.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A single-centre retrospective study included 18 four-corner fusions at a minimum 5 years' follow-up: 8 plate and 10 screw fixations. Endpoints comprised pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength, QuickDASH and PRWE scores, and immobilisation time. Radiographic analysis was performed and complications inventoried.

RESULTS

Pain VAS score fell to 1/10 in both groups. Flexion-extension was 56° with screws and 55° with plates. QuickDASH was 20.5 and 4.6 respectively, and PRWE 11 and 9. Grip strength was 16kg in both groups. The consolidation rate was 85.7% with screws and 57.1% with plates. Eighty percent of patients with screw fixation progressed toward radiolunate osteoarthritis. Four patients required revision surgery: 3 in the screw group and 1 in the plate group.

DISCUSSION

There was clear clinical and functional improvement in both groups at a minimum 5 years. Consolidation was better with screw fixation, but with risk of radiolunate osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

The effect of four-corner fusion and proximal row carpectomy on uniplanar and multiplanar wrist motion: A biomechanical study

Purpose

To compare changes in wrist kinematics after scaphoidectomy and four-corner fusion (4CF), and proximal row carpectomy (PRC).

Methods

Six cadaveric specimens underwent flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation and circumduction in an active motion wrist simulator. Native state, "anatomic 4CF", "radial 4CF", and PRC were compared.

Results

Radial 4CF reduced wrist extension, while PRC reduced radial deviation. Fusion groups had similar motion profiles. 44%, 41%, and 32% of native circumduction was maintained in PRC, anatomic, and radial 4CF.

Conclusions

Both fusion positions resulted in comparable motion outcomes. Anatomic 4CF was restricted in wrist extension compared to PRC but provided favourable radial deviation.