Scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis for radioscaphoid arthritis

Eighteen patients with symptomatic radioscaphoid arthritis had scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis. Eight patients also had a silicone scaphoid replacement. The follow-up period averaged 3 years. Fusion was solid in 12 cases at an average of 8 weeks, and pain was significantly less at follow-up evaluation. Six patients had a pseudarthrosis and five had persistent pain. Immobilization in the pseudarthrosis group averaged 6 weeks, which was significantly less than the group that fused. Two patients underwent successful repeat fusions. Wrist extension averaged 26 degrees, flexion 34 degrees, radial deviation 11 degrees, and ulnar deviation 24 degrees. Grip strength averaged 25 kg. Presence of an implant had no significant effect on motion or strength. Pin track infection and pseudarthrosis were the main complications. Pain relief, functional motion, good strength, and patient satisfaction can be expected after scaphoid excision and solid capitolunate arthrodesis. Kirschner wires should be buried subcutaneously to avoid infection. The addition of a scaphoid implant offered no advantage over simple scaphoid excision.