[The arthroscopic distal pole resection of the scaphoid: clinical results in STT osteoarthritis]

We present the results of surgical treatment of eight patients operated in the service of osteoarthritis scapho-trapézo-trapézoidienne (STT) by resection of the distal pole of the scaphoid under arthroscopic. Studies have already shown the good results of this technique in open surgery. This is a retrospective study of eight patients of mean age 70 years. They had an isolated STT osteoarthritis, which is not relieved by medical treatment. They were operated between 2004 and 2007 by the same surgeon and were reviewed at a mean of 13 months by an independent examiner. The evaluation was focused on pain, range of motion and grip strength. A radiological assessment was conducted to examine a possible carpal mal-alignment. Two patients were excluded because they had received a trapeziectomy for rhizarthrosis associated. The pain had decreased in seven cases with complete disappearance in six cases. The force had been increased or stabilized in seven cases and the mobility is the same in six cases. We got six very good results, one good result and one bad result without aggravation. Furthermore, no patient had been taken, nor any complications noted. The good results obtained with this minimally invasive outpatient surgery, encourages us to offer first-line therapy in patients with isolated STT osteoarthritis is not relieved by medical treatment. The resection of the distal pole of the scaphoide under arthoscopy gives less burdensome and less complication that the arthrodesis, while providing very good results.