Proximal row carpectomy in arthrogrypotic wrist deformity

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) frequently causes significant wrist deformities.
• Surgical correction aims to improve function and aesthetics, but outcomes can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of proximal row carpectomy in correcting wrist deformities in AMC patients.
• To identify factors influencing the success of surgical correction and the need for subsequent procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of five patients with AMC undergoing proximal row carpectomy.
• Assessment of surgical technique, immobilization parameters, and patient factors.
• Evaluation of outcomes, including recurrent deformities and need for wrist arthrodesis.

Main Results:

• Three out of five patients required subsequent wrist arthrodesis due to persistent or recurrent deformities.
• Factors such as age at surgery, deformity correction, and immobilization details were analyzed but did not predict outcomes.
• The overall results of proximal row carpectomy for AMC-related wrist deformity were unpredictable.

Conclusions:

• Proximal row carpectomy for AMC wrist deformity has unpredictable outcomes.
• Recurrent deformities are common, often requiring further surgical intervention like wrist arthrodesis.
• Despite meticulous surgical and postoperative management, achieving predictable, lasting correction remains a challenge.