Three-Corner Arthrodesis With Scaphoid and Triquetrum Excision for Wrist Arthritis

Clinical Outcomes of Lunocapitate Arthrodesis: A Retrograde Single-Screw Approach

BACKGROUND

A single-site retrospective study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of single-screw lunocapitate arthrodesis (LCA) using a retrograde approach for the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 31 patients (33 cases) between September 2010 and December 2019 with SLAC wrist changes who were treated with single-screw LCA. Objective outcomes included time to fusion, union rate, range of motion, and grip and pinch strength recovery. Subjective outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores.

RESULTS

We report on 33 cases (7 female), mean age 58.4 years (range: 41-85), with SLAC wrist who underwent LCA. Our cohort reported a 94% union rate and a 90-day mean time to fusion. Final active wrist range of motion was 38° dorsiflexion, 35° volarflexion, 17° radial deviation, 17° ulnar deviation, 82° pronation, and 83° supination (mean: 450.8 days). Final grip and pinch strengths recovered was 75% gross grip, 84% lateral pinch, and 75% precision pinch (mean: 379.0 days) compared with the contralateral side. The mean postoperative DASH score was 27 (mean: 1203.9 days). Two nonunions were observed. Two hardware complications occurred: one symptomatic screw and one screw fatigue fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

We found retrograde single-screw LCA to be an effective salvage procedure for SLAC wrist. LCA is a less-taxing procedure, requires shorter operating time, and produces range of motion and grip and pinch strength recovery comparable to those of 4-corner arthrodesis. Furthermore, the viability of single-screw fixation may reduce hardware-related operative costs without compromising union rates.

A Comparative Study of 2-Corner, 3-Corner, and 4-Corner Arthrodesis for Midcarpal Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Four-corner fusion (4CF) is a common treatment for midcarpal arthritis; however, alternatives including 2-corner fusion (2CF) and 3-corner fusion (3CF) have been described. Limited literature suggests 2CF and 3CF may improve range of motion but have higher complication rates. Our objective is to compare function and patient-reported outcomes following 4CF, 3CF, and 2CF at our institution.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing 4CF, 3CF, and 2CF from 2011 to 2021 who attended at least one follow-up were included. Four-corner fusion patients were compared with those who underwent either 3CF or 2CF using staple fixation. Outcomes include nonunion rate, reoperation rate, progression to wrist fusion, range of motion, and patient-reported pain, satisfaction, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 49 4CF and 9 2CF or 3CF patients. Nonunion rates, progression to wrist fusion, and repeat surgery for any indication were not significantly different among groups. Range of motion (flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation) and grip strength at postoperative visits were not significantly different. Significantly more 4CF patients required bone grafting. Pain, overall satisfaction, and DASH scores were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Although prior studies suggest increased risk of nonunion and hardware migration after 2CF/3CF, we did not observe higher complication rates compared with 4CF. Range of motion, strength, and patient-reported outcomes were similar. While 4CF is traditionally the procedure of choice for midcarpal fusion, we found that when using a staple fixation technique, 2CF and 3CF have comparable clinical and patient-reported outcomes yet decrease the need for autologous bone grafting.

Lunate Shift Index (LSI): A New Parameter for the Evaluation of Residual Ulnar Side Wrist Pain in Patients with Wrist Osteoarthritis Undergoing Three-Corners Arthrodesis vs. Four-Corners Arthrodesis-A Retrospective Comparative Study with Minimum 2 Years of Follow-up

Purpose

Both scaphoid non-union advanced collapse wrist (SNAC) and scapho-lunate advanced collapse wrist (SLAC) at stage II-III are common indications for limited wrist fusions including four-corners fusion (4CF) and three-corners fusion (3CF). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing 3CF vs. 4CF. A new radiological index called Lunate Shift Index (LSI) was devised to evaluate the importance of the lunate displacement relative to the radiolunate joint.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-eight patients undergoing 3CF and 40 patients undergoing 4CF were clinically evaluated. The radiolunate angle, the carpal height, and the LSI were recorded radiographically. The LSI corresponds to the ratio between the distance from the lunate centre to the middle of the intermediate column and the length of the intermediate column of the distal radius.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was observed between LSI and clinical outcomes. The lunate displacement was associated with an increased incidence of wrist ulnar pain. No statistically significant differences were observed between 3 and 4CF in all parameters compared.

Conclusions

The osteoarthritis of piso-triquetral joint has been identified as the cause of wrist ulnar pain in patients undergoing 4CF. The lunate correct positioning allows to maintain the carpal height and to increase the contact area at the level of the radiolunate joint. A good reduction of the lunate could be obtained with the 3CF compared to 4CF. This study showed how proper realignment of the lunate following midcarpal arthrodesis correlates with a better clinical outcome.

Level of Evidence

Level III, Retrospective comparative study.

Three-corner arthrodesis for scapholunate and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapsed wrists: outcomes at long term follow-ups

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess clinical, functional and radiological outcomes after three-corner arthrodesis in patients suffering from symptomatic scapholunate or scaphoid non-union advanced collapsed wrists. We hypothesised that three-corner arthrodesis provided satisfactory clinical and radiological results in the long term.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 13 patients (14 wrists) who underwent a three-corner arthrodesis between March 2004 and January 2019 with a mean follow-up of 6,7 years. Clinical assessment consisted of wrist motion, grip strength, pain and functional scores (Quick-DASH, PRWE, MWS). All complications and surgical revisions were investigated. Radiographic assessment searched for union, evaluated carpal height and ulnar translation, lunate tilt and occurrence of radio-lunate arthritis.

RESULTS

At the last follow-up Quick-DASH and PRWE scores were 24,87(± 17.2) and 47.4 (± 26.9) respectively and were significantly improved. Wrist motion was 35°, 32°, 10° et 24° of flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation respectively. Union was obtained for 13 (92,9%) wrists. The mean radiolunate angle was 11° (-17°-34°). Three patients needed reintervention, which 2 consisted of total wrist arthrodesis due to persisting pain. Mild signs of radio-lunate arthritis were found in three patients.

CONCLUSION

Three-corner arthrodesis seemed to provide satisfactory long-term functional outcomes. The union rate was high and even patients with signs of radio-lunate arthritis still had improved outcomes at the last follow-up. It could be a part of surgical options in wrists with radio- and midcarpal arthritis, among other procedures.

Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC) and Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC): A Review of Treatment Options for Stage II

Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) represent clinical entities identified by a pattern of predictable degenerative changes. They are the most common causes of wrist arthritis. Both entities can remain asymptomatic for many years and may go undiagnosed. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through clinical examination, which reveals progressive wrist pain and instability. Radiographically, degenerative changes in the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints are present, as well as nonunion of the scaphoid fracture in SNAC. The management differs according to the stage. Particularly in this review article, we reviewed the treatment options for stage II SLAC and SNAC wrist. In addition to the well-described surgical techniques such as proximal row carpectomy and four-corner fusion, alternatives such as capitolunate arthrodesis, three-corner fusion, and soft tissue procedures like capsulodesis and tenodesis are available. Proximal row carpectomy and partial arthrodeses yield comparable results. Soft tissue procedures are viable alternatives and are preferred in younger patients to avoid early salvage operations.

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.

Intercarpal arthrodesis: A systematic review

Intercarpal arthrodesis is a well-established option to treat various disorders of the carpus, such as localized osteoarthritis, carpal instability, and Kienböck's disease. This is a non-conservative procedure aimed at obtaining a stable and congruent interface between the radius and the proximal carpal row, which restores wrist function by minimizing pain and restoring grip strength. These procedures generally yield good predictable results that are maintained over time. However, all intracarpal arthrodesis procedures cause a loss of wrist range of motion. To optimize outcomes and minimize complications, especially nonunion, this surgery may require a learning curve. A precise surgical technique for preparing the bone surfaces, bringing enough bone graft, and using reliable fixation is essential. Since the late 1960s, several intracarpal arthrodesis procedures have been described. Commonly used fusions target the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid, scaphocapitate, four corners, capitolunate or capitohamatolunate regions. Lesser used fusions focus on specific lesions such as the scapholunate, scapholunocapitate, lunotriquetral and triquetrohamate. Here, we propose a systematic review of the various types of intercarpal arthrodesis procedures described in the literature. After having described each arthrodesis, we specify their indications, the variations of the surgical techniques, and then present an overview of the results and complications. Finally, we discuss how these surgeries affect wrist biomechanics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Osteonecrosis of the Lunate Following Three-Corner Arthrodesis: A Case Report

Scaphoid lunate advanced collapse (SLAC) is the most frequently encountered cause of wrist osteoarthritis. Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and four-orner arthrodesis (4CA) are the two main surgical options to address it. Three three-corner arthrodesis (3CA) was introduced in 1997 as an alternative to PRC and 4CA. It is a motion preserving midcarpal arthrodesis easier to perform than 4CA, for which the literature has documented satisfactory outcomes and low complication rates. We report a case of a SLAC wrist treated with 3CA complicated by postoperative osteonecrosis of the lunate. To our knowledge, this complication has not been previously reported. Our patient developed osteonecrosis of the lunate 1 year after 3CA despite a good consolidation of the arthrodesis. In this case study, we discuss reasons this may have occurred, the aetiology of which is likely multifactorial. We are reporting this case to inform surgeons of this potential complication after 3CA. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Biomechanical comparison of continuous compression implants versus tension band fixation for transverse olecranon fractures

Purpose

Tension band wiring (TBW) is considered the 'gold standard' for fixation of transverse olecranon fractures (OTA/AO 2U1B1d). However, this approach requires a large exposure, can be technically demanding and operator-dependent, and is associated with hardware prominence. Continuous compression implants (CCI) may address these limitations. To the authors' knowledge, a comparison between TBW and CCI has not been performed. Therefore, this study was designed to compare biomechanical properties of CCI to TBW for 2U1B1d olecranon fractures using human cadaver elbows.

Methods

A transverse olecranon fracture was simulated in eight matched pairs of cadaveric elbows. Matched pairs were used for comparison of TBW and CCI. Cyclic loading was performed at both 10 N and 500 N, with gap formation and load to failure recorded. Results: No significant difference in gap formation at 10 N (p > 0.3) or 500 N (p = 0.6), or load-to-failure (p=.00.41), was observed between the two groups.

Discussion

CCI fixation requires a smaller incision, is easy to perform, and involves low-profile implant that may reduce morbidity. Based on biomechanical properties that match the gold standard, continuous compression nitinol implants are an appropriate option for fixation of transverse olecranon fractures with potential advantages over tension band wiring.

Scaphoidectomy and 4-corner arthrodesis with headless compression screws: results, complications and their treatment

Scaphoidectomy and 4-corner arthrodesis is a common salvage surgery for degenerative wrist pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of this procedure performed with headless compression screws, with a special focus on postoperative complications and their treatment. We assessed 36 wrists in 31 patients that were treated between 2009 and 2017. Mean follow-up was 5.2 years (range 2.9- 9.4). Pain was expressed on a Visual Analog Scale. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and hand (qDASH) questionnaire and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHOQ) were used to assess patient functionality and satisfaction. Range of motion and grip strength of both wrists were measured. Radiographs of the operated wrist were evaluated. Mean pain score was 1.5 ± 2.3 with 19% of patients being completely free of pain also during activity. Mean qDASH was 44 ± 20 and mean MHOQ was 10 ± 5. Mean flexion-extension arc of the operated wrist was 69° and 61% of the contralateral wrist. Mean grip strength was 35kg and 89% of the opposite wrist. Non-union was observed in two patients. Two patients required hardware removal and in three patients a pisiformectomy was performed. Conversion to total wrist arthrodesis was needed in one patient. We observed postoperative complications in 28% of our patients. Most complications can successfully be treated with additional surgery. The presence of pisotriquetral arthritis should be assessed before surgery and treated with pisiform excision.

Arthroscopic three-corner or lunocapitate arthrodesis: technical tips and early outcomes

The purpose of the study is to present a technical approach for arthroscopic three-corner or lunocapitate arthrodesis with mini-open scaphoid excision and to report about the early clinical and functional results. The median surgery time was 112 min with shorter times achieved once mastering the technique. Radiological and clinical union was observed in 11 out of 12 patients in a median time of five months. For final assessments nine patients were included with a median follow-up of 15 months. Wrist extension and flexion after surgery decreased to 58 and 62% of preoperative measurements and represented 37 and 42% of the unaffected side. Grip strength also decreased to 80% of the preoperative value and 57% of the unaffected side. All patients reported significant pain relief and functional improvement. Arthroscopic three-corner or lunocapitate arthrodesis was a safe, reliable and minimally invasive technique for treating wrist osteoarthritis, while it was technically demanding and time-consuming during learning curve.

Scaphoid Excision and Bicolumnar Carpal Fusion with Retrograde Headless Screws

Background/Purpose  Scaphoid excision and partial wrist fusion is used for the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse/scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist arthritis. The purpose of this study was to report midterm functional and radiographic outcomes in a series of patients who underwent bicolumnar fusion of the lunocapitate and triquetrohamate joints using retrograde headless screws. Methods  Twenty-three consecutive patients (25 wrists) underwent surgery with this technique from January 2014 to May 2017 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Assessment consisted of range of motion, grip, and pinch strength. Patient-reported outcome measures included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores. Fusion rates and the radiolunate joint were evaluated radiographically. The relationship between wrist range of motion and midcarpal fusion angle (neutral position vs. extended capitolunate fusion angle > 20 degrees) was analyzed. Results  Average follow-up was 18 months. Mean wrist extension was 41 degrees, flexion 36 degrees, and radial-ulnar deviation arc was 43 degrees. Grip strength was 39 kg and pinch 9 kg. Residual pain for activities of daily living was 1.6 (visual analog scale). The mean DASH and PRWE scores were 19 ± 16 and 28 ± 18, respectively. Patients with an extended capitolunate fusion angle trended toward more wrist extension but this did not reach statistical significance ( p  = 0.17). Conclusions  With retrograde headless compression screws, the proximal articular surface of the lunate is not violated, preserving the residual load-bearing articulation. Patients maintained a functional flexion-extension arc of motion with grip-pinch strength close to normal. Capitolunate fusion angle greater than 20 degrees may provide more wrist extension but further studies are needed to demonstrate this. Level of Evidence  This is a Level IV study.

Spontaneous index finger extensor tendon rupture in a SNAC wrist

We present two recent cases of spontaneous rupture of both index finger extensor digitorum communis and extensor indices proprius tendons caused by a dorsal carpus osteophyte. Both patients had a history of scaphoid fracture non-union with evolution to scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) of the wrist. These two cases were treated surgically with a 3-corner arthrodesis, and an interposition of a fragment of one of both ruptured tendons together with a tendon transfer of a supernumerary extensor digitorum communis of the third finger. The interposed tendon fragment was sutured with a Pulvertaft weave proximally and end-to-end distally. The supernumerary tendon was added as reinforcement to this construction. At 6-month and 14-month follow-up, the patients had a slight decrease in range of motion and functionality without hindering the activities of daily living and a great improvement in strength. Isolated extension of the index finger was possible minimum 6 months postoperatively. Spontaneous tendon ruptures of the finger extensors are not common but were described earlier in literature. Recent literature described that underlying cause of a spontaneous tendon rupture should always be corrected in order to prevent or at least delay future ruptures. To our knowledge, this is a rare type of complication and this kind of treatment has never been reported in literature.

Management of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunions: A Critical Analysis Review

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Optimal management of nonunions of the proximal pole of the scaphoid is controversial and dependent on many patient and pathophysiologic considerations.

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If the proximal pole subchondral bone support is sufficient, options include open reduction and internal fixation, either alone or in combination with autologous nonvascularized or vascularized bone graft.

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If the proximal pole is not salvageable, replacement with osteochondral autografts or osteochondral flaps is the only option for reconstruction of the native anatomy.

Management of scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse without proximal row carpectomy or four corner fusion

Four corner arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy are the most common techniques for the management of advanced radiocarpal arthritis due to longstanding scapholunate instability and scaphoid nonunion. The advantages and short comings of each technique have been well defined in the literature. Advancements in joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery have resulted in new operations to manage radiocarpal and midcarpal arthritis. Most of these new procedures are modifications of the two classical operations, but some use modern implants and newer materials. New individualized options, like osteochondral grafting in combination with proximal row carpectomy or (arthroscopic) distal resection of the scaphoid, allowed us to improve our treatment and offer patients less invasive but equally effective procedures. We consider that four corner arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy should not always be standard management for advanced radiocarpal arthritis.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of three-corner arthrodesis and bicolumnar arthrodesis for advanced wrist osteoarthritis

We retrospectively compared results of 27 wrists with bicolumnar arthrodesis with mean follow-up of 67 months to 28 wrists with three-corner arthrodesis adding triquetral excision with mean follow-up of 74 months in 54 patients (55 wrists). Minimal follow-up was 2 years for all patients. Capitolunate nonunion occurred in three wrists with bicolumnar arthrodesis and six wrists with three-corner arthrodesis, and radiolunate arthritis developed in four wrists with three-corner arthrodesis. Among patients with bicolumnar arthrodesis, hamatolunate arthritis occurred in seven wrists, all with a Viegas type II lunate; and pisotriquetral arthritis occurred in three wrists. At mean 5 years after surgery, 45 wrists had not needed revision surgery, and both groups had similar revision rates. The wrists with three-corner arthrodesis and bicolumnar arthrodesis had similar functional outcomes, and range of wrist motion was not significantly different between the two groups. We concluded that bicolumnar arthrodesis results in greater longevity than three-corner arthrodesis for a type I lunate. We do not recommend bicolumnar arthrodesis for type II lunate. We also concluded that three-corner arthrodesis has a greater incidence of radiolunate arthritis and capitolunate nonunion.Level of evidence: III.

Comparison of Direct Surgical Costs for Proximal Row Carpectomy and Four-Corner Arthrodesis

Background  Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) are common treatments for stage II scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrists, with similar functional and patient-reported outcomes reported in the peer-reviewed literature. Questions  Study questions included (1) whether surgical encounter total direct costs (SETDCs) differ between PRC and FCA, and (2) whether SETDC differs by method of fixation for FCA. Patients and Methods  Consecutive adult patients (≥ 18 years) undergoing PRC and FCA between July 2011 and May 2017 at a single tertiary care academic institution were identified. Patients undergoing additional simultaneous procedures were excluded. Using our institution's information technology value tools, we extracted prospectively collected cost data for each surgical encounter. SETDCs were compared between PRC and FCA, and between FCA subgroups (screws, plating, or staples). Results  Of 42 included patients, mean age was similar between the 23 PRC and 19 FCA patients (51.2 vs. 54.5 years, respectively). SETDCs were significantly greater for FCA than PRC by 425%. FCA involved significantly greater facility costs (2.3-fold), supply costs (10-fold), and operative time (121 vs. 57 minutes). Implant costs were absent for PRC, which were responsible for 55% of the SETDC for FCA. Compared with compression screws, plating and staple fixation were significantly more costly (70% and 240% greater, respectively). Conclusion  SETDCs were 425% greater for FCA than PRC. Implant costs for FCA alone were 130% greater than the entire surgical encounter for PRC. For FCA, SETDC varied depending on the method of fixation. Level of Evidence  This is a level III, cost analysis study.

Midcarpal Arthrodesis Biomechanics: Memory Staples versus Cannulated Screws

BACKGROUND

Midcarpal arthrodesis is a treatment of choice in patients with midcarpal arthritis. Traditionally a four corner fusion has been favoured, however recent research has shown improved results when the triquetrum and scaphoid are excised. There is no clear evidence as to which remaining bones should be fused or which implants should be used. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanics of midcarpal arthrodesis after scaphoid and triquetrum excision, using memory staples or cannulated screws, in recognised construct patterns.

METHODS

36 identical sets of carpal bones were 3D printed from acetyl butyl styrene. Midcarpal arthrodeses were performed in three configurations with shape memory alloy staples or headless compression screws. This gave 6 treatment groups; lunocapitate single staple or screw, lunocapitate with 2 staples or screws, three corner fusion with 2 staples or screws. Peak torque to distraction was measured and analysed.

RESULTS

The peak torque to distraction was significantly greater in almost all constructs utilizing screws compared to staples, with two lunocapitate screws having the highest peak torque at both 1 and 3 mm distraction with 244 Nmm and 749 Nmm respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Constructs utilizing screws have a peak torque to distraction significantly higher when compared to staples. Our recommendation when performing a midcarpal arthrodesis after scaphoid and trapezium excision is to fuse the midcarpal joint with 2 headless compression screws.