Lunate Pseudarthrosis: Our Clinical Experience.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Wrist Biomechanics

Background:

• Lunate pseudarthrosis is an uncommon complication following lunate fractures.
• Limited literature exists on this condition, necessitating further clinical investigation.
• This case series aims to increase awareness and share clinical experience with lunate nonunion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical experience and outcomes of treating lunate pseudarthrosis.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions for lunate nonunion.
• To identify potential complications and factors influencing treatment success.

Main Methods:

• A case series involving four patients with lunate pseudarthrosis.
• Three patients underwent surgical treatment for lunate nonunion.
• Follow-up assessment included range of motion (ROM) and Quick-DASH scores.

Main Results:

• Patients experienced slight improvements in ROM and Quick-DASH scores at 2-year follow-up.
• Two patients developed scaphocapitate, radiolunate, or midcarpal osteoarthritis.
• One patient remained asymptomatic and was managed conservatively.

Conclusions:

• Surgical treatment strategies for lunate pseudarthrosis should be tailored to the specific location of the nonunion within the lunate.
• Fragment excision may preserve scapholunate (SL) stability for small fragments.
• Dorsal pole pseudarthrosis requires caution due to the risk of midcarpal osteoarthritis.