Simultaneous proximal row carpectomy and radius to distal carpal row arthrodesis

We assessed the functional results of simultaneous proximal carpal carpectomy and radius to distal carpal row arthrodesis. A retrospective review of patients undergoing wrist arthrodesis for degenerative joint disease was performed. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or spastic hemiplegia were excluded. Simultaneous proximal row carpectomy and radius to distal carpal row arthrodesis was performed in 38 patients using AO plates and 3.5 mm diameter screws. The mean follow-up time was 16 months, the fusion rate was 100%, and the average grip strength was 24 kg force or 79% of the contralateral hand measured at 10 degrees wrist extension. Patients with three or more screws placed in the metacarpal had significantly more plate-related complications and a higher rate of plate removal than those with two screws distally. Simultaneous proximal row carpectomy and radius to distal carpal row arthrodesis did not decrease the postoperative grip strength.