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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis: a follow-up study
H Kirk Watson1, Ronit Wollstein, Emmanuella Joseph
1Connecticut Combined Hand Surgery, Hartford Hospital, University of Connecticut, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, USA.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to review the results of 800 scaphotrapeziotrapezoid fusions performed over a 27-year period.
Methods:
The patients were evaluated for postoperative range of motion, grip and pinch strength, pain, return to work, arthritis, and complications.
Results:
The overall range of motion was 70% to 80% of the nonoperated side and strength was 69% to 89%. Of the patients 88% returned to previous employment. Arthritis developed in 1.8% of the patients. The overall complication rate was 13.4%.
Conclusions:
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid fusion is a viable treatment option especially for a high-functional-demand young population with significant wrist pathology. Complications, specifically nonunion, can be minimized with careful technique.
