[Proximal row carpectomy: a motion-preserving procedure in the treatment of advanced carpal collapse]

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a motion-sparing procedure for the treatment of advanced carpal collapse. The goal of the operation is the creation of a new joint between the capitate and the radius. The purpose of this retrospective study was the evaluation of the functional outcome after PRC. The evaluation included range of motion, grip strength, and pain reduction. The DASH questionnaire was used to estimate restrictions of the activities of daily living (ADL). Results were ranked with the Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores. Thirty-three patients with a mean age of 41.2 years were evaluated after 36 months. Flexion/extension was 70 degrees and radial and ulnar deviation was 33 degrees. The grip strength was 54% of the unaffected side. The results of Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores were 66 and 69 points. The mean DASH score was 27.8. Eighty-seven percent of the patients reported that pain was better than preoperatively. Resection of the proximal carpal row is technically an easy surgical procedure. It preserves good functional range of motion and provides good pain relief, but low grip strength.