Comparison of proximal row carpectomy and four corner arthrodesis: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION: Wrist arthritis results most of the times from ligaments tears or carpal bones fractures. Many surgical procedures are described in literature. Regarding proximal row carpectomy and four corner arthrodesis, there are only retrospective studies available in literature. The objective of this study is to compare the functional results between these two surgical procedures. METHOD: In this prospective and randomized study 20 patients underwent proximal row carpectomy or four corner arthrodesis for the treatment of wrist arthritis. In all patients the midcarpal joints were free of lesions. Functional results were compared. RESULTS: Both proximal row carpectomy and four corner arthrodesis improved pain. All cases showed decreased range of motion after surgery. The differences between the groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Regarding functional results both procedures were similar and improved pain in patients with SLAC/SNAC WRIST without degenerative changes in midcarpal joint.