Degenerative arthritis at the triscaphe joint

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand and Wrist Surgery

Background:

• Triscaphe arthritis involves the triquetrum and scaphoid bones.
• Surgical intervention, specifically arthrodesis, is considered for managing this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the clinical presentation of triscaphe arthritis.
• To evaluate the outcomes of triscaphe arthrodesis for treating this condition.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 21 patients who underwent triscaphe arthrodesis between 1972 and 1986.
• Assessment of clinical presentation, including associated conditions like scaphoid subluxation and Kienböck's disease.
• Evaluation of outcomes in 20 patients at an average of 5 years post-operation.

Main Results:

• All 20 evaluated patients experienced pain relief following the procedure.
• The average flexion-extension arc was 101 degrees.
• One case of nonunion was successfully managed with refusion; two patients developed dystrophy, which resolved with a stress loading program. No additional arthritis progression was noted in the wrist.

Conclusions:

• Triscaphe arthrodesis is an effective treatment for triscaphe joint arthritis, providing significant pain relief.
• The procedure demonstrates favorable long-term outcomes with minimal complications and no adverse effects on adjacent wrist joints.