[Extirpation of the pisiform bone: indications and results]

We have treated 26 patients with pain around the pisiform bone. From this experience, we have attempted to define diagnostic criteria and a therapy rationale. The diagnosis was made from clinical, radiographical and scintigraphic data. Therapy consisted of denervation combined with extirpation alone, or arthrodeses. The results correlated with the etiology of the pisiform bone pathology. The outcome in patients with idiopathic arthrosis and in patients with instability was good; the result was fair in patients with insertion-tendinitis of the flexor carpi ulnaris. In patients with posttraumatic arthrosis the results were unsatisfactory; however, the number of patients in this last group was small.