Technique: Osteochondral Grafting of Capitate Chondrosis in PRC

Background Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a useful treatment option for wrist arthritis, but the operation is contraindicated when there is arthritis of the capitate head. We describe a technique that involves resurfacing of a capitate that has focal chondrosis, using an osteochondral graft harvested from the resected carpal bones. Materials and Methods PRC patients who had a focal area of capitate chondrosis underwent osteochondral grafting of the capitate. Pre- and postoperative pain level, employment status, motion, grip strength, and Modified Mayo Wrist Scores (MMWS) were assessed. Postoperative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were also calculated. Description of Technique The articular surface of the capitate is assessed for need for grafting. The proximal row is resected with the lunate removed intact. The arthritic area is prepared. The graft is taken from the lunate and placed in the prepared site of the capitate. Results Eight patients (average age of 53 years) were followed for 18 months. Pain: Preoperatively, moderate to severe in 7 patients; postoperatively, mild to no pain in 7 patients. Motion: Preoperative, 84° (74% of the contralateral side); postoperative 75° (66%). Grip Strength: Preoperative, 29 kg (62%); postoperative, 34 kg (71%). Mayo Wrist Score: Preoperative, 51 (poor); postoperative, 68 (fair). Average postoperative DASH score was 19.5. Follow-up radiographs showed that 75% of patients had mild to no degeneration. Conclusions Osteochondral grafting in PRC offers satisfactory results in terms of pain relief, return to work, motion, and grip strength. Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV, Case series.