[Capitolunate arthrodesis: 12 patients followed-up an average of 10 years]

The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term results of capitolunate arthrodesis for the treatment of posttraumatic degenerative wrist disorders. A capitolunate arthrodesis was performed on 12 patients, three women and nine men, of 45 years on average (28-66). Ten patients were manual workers. Dominant side was involved in seven cases. Indications were nine scapholunate dissociations (SLAC) and three scaphoid non-unions (SNAC) with degenerative lesions. Fixation of the arthrodesis was performed with K-wires in seven, K-wires and staples in two, and only staples in three. Patients were reviewed at 118 months of average follow-up (72-168). One complete wrist arthrodesis was necessary one year after the capitolunate arthrodesis for an evolutive painful osteoarthritis. For the 11 remaining patients, pain on visual analogic scale (VAS) was 0.5. The flexion/extension arc was decreased of 25° and strength of 6kg compared to preoperative values. DASH score was equal to 33.7 points, Cooney score to 77.2 points and Mayo score to 82.8 points. Radiolunate and capitolunate angles were decreased of 4.9° and 6.2° respectively compared to preoperative values. Some complications occurred: evolutive osteoarthritis between triquetrum and lunate in two, non-union of the arthrodesis in one, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in two. Nine patients were able to return to their previous professional activities. Capitolunate arthrodesis allowed restoring a pain free and functional wrist in eight out of the 11 patients reviewed. Results were maintained with follow-up. It is a satisfactory therapeutic alternative to four corners fusion for chronic instability of the wrist with osteoarthritis.

IV.