title: Scaphocapitolunate arthrodesis.
abstract: Since 1985 scaphocapitolunate arthrodesis has been performed on 21 patients with either chronic incompetence of the scapholunate ligament or a scaphoid nonunion. The average age was 31 years; follow-up averaged 28 months. Eighty-six percent of the injuries involved workers' compensation. The operative procedure was done through a dorsal approach, with the use of autogenous bone grafting and Kirschner wire fixation. Eight-one percent healed after the primary procedure; one patient had a major infection. Range of motion averaged 35 degrees of extension, 30 degrees of flexion, 10 degrees of radial deviation, and 20 degrees of ulnar deviation. Grip strength averaged 70% of the uninvolved side. Pain was significantly reduced in 80% of the patients. Sixteen of 20 patients were able to return to work. Radiographic examination at final follow-up showed mild degenerative changes at the radiocarpal joint in two patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo 63110.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Rotman
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Manske
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Pruitt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szerzinski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology