Proximal row carpectomy: an adequate procedure in carpal collapse

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is an established procedure in the treatment of advanced radiocarpal arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual, functional and radiological results in relation to the initial diagnosis. Seventeen patients (15 men, two women), who had undergone PRC, were evaluated. Their average age at the time of the operation was 48 years (range 21-70 years). The most frequent diagnosis leading to PRC was scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC), which was observed in nine patients, while in three cases each the condition treated had been scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and perilunate dislocation, and in two cases, Kienboeck's disease. At the time of the follow-up examination (median 65.41 months), a significant improvement in the range of movement was seen. While only four (36%) of the patients with SNAC had radiological signs of arthrosis of the radiocapitate joint, visible radiological involvement was noted in all patients who underwent PRC due to scapholunate dissociation and perilunate dislocation. The results of this study show that PRC is a good way of achieving long-term improvement of the degree of subjective freedom from symptoms and of the functional range of movement. Interruption of ligamentous structures, as in scapholunate dissociation and perilunate dislocation, seems to influence the radiological outcome.