Proximal row carpectomy: a volar approach.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Wrist Biomechanics

Background:

• Proximal row carpectomy is a common procedure for wrist pain.
• The dorsal approach is the standard surgical technique.
• Alternative approaches are being explored to optimize patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a volar approach for proximal row carpectomy.
• To compare outcomes of the volar approach to the traditional dorsal approach.
• To assess patient-reported outcomes including pain, function, and range of motion.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 14 patients undergoing volar proximal row carpectomy.
• Assessment of range of motion, grip strength, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores.
• Utilized the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for functional assessment.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up of 16 months demonstrated satisfactory range of motion and grip strength.
• Significant improvement in DASH scores indicating reduced disability.
• A slight increase in VAS pain scores was observed postoperatively compared to preoperative levels.

Conclusions:

• Proximal row carpectomy using a volar approach provides comparable functional results to the dorsal approach.
• The volar approach may offer an alternative surgical option for proximal row carpectomy.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term pain profiles associated with the volar approach.