Lunocapitate versus four-corner fusion in scapholunate or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse: a randomized controlled trial

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial compared lunocapitate fusion (LCF) and four-corner fusion (4CF) for scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) in 64 patients. The primary outcome was change in grip strength from preoperative to 1 year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were Disability of the Hand, Arm, and Shoulder score, Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation score, EuroQol-5D-3L, range of motion, key pinch strength and complications 12 months postoperatively. Grip strength improved only to a small extent and there was no difference between the groups. No differences were found in the secondary outcomes. In conclusion, LCF is not inferior to 4CF regarding strength, range of motion or patient-reported outcome measures.Level of evidence: I.

Single- and Bicolumn Limited Intercarpal Fusion: A Solution for the SLAC or SNAC Wrist

Background  Single- or bicolumn limited intercarpal fusion, also called one- or two-column fusion, has been introduced as an alternative to four-corner fusion. The rationale behind this is obtaining less need for bone grafting and consequently improving the chances of the union. Method  From August 2014 to October 2020, 45 consecutive patients (15 women), with a mean age of 58.4 years (range: 35-79), have been treated for scapholunate advanced collapse or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist. In 33 cases, the surgery was performed as two-column fusion, and in 12 cases as one-column fusion. The union was determined by a computed tomography (CT) scan or X-ray follow-up studies. The pain assessments (visual analog score: 0-100), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were prospectively included. Results  Of 45 patients, 43 were available for the follow-up, at a mean of 35 months (range: 12-68). All patients but two achieved union at a mean of 9.5 weeks (range: 5-25 weeks). Pain diminished from 60.3 (mean) preoperatively to 16.7 (mean) postoperatively ( p  = 0.0001). Grip strength slightly increased from 28.2 KgF (mean) to 29 KgF (mean) (not significantly, p  = 0.86). Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 39.5 (median) before the surgery to 11 (median) after the surgery ( p  = 0.0004). The postoperative ROM of 62/37 degrees (mean) were recorded for total dorsovolar/radioulnar flexions, respectively. Three patients were converted to total wrist fusion and one to total wrist arthroplasty. One had a rearthrodesis to two-column fusion, which united. Conclusion  One- and two-column fusion showed significant improvement in pain and function, with minimal impairment of the grip strength on the short- to mid-term follow-up. A union rate of 95% and an acceptable complication rate were achieved, without fusing all carpals. Level of Evidence  Prospective, cohort study, level III.

Lunocapitate fusion with scaphoid excision for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse or scapho-lunate advanced collapse wrist

BACKGROUND

Four-corner fusion is an effective procedure to treat advanced degenerative osteoarthritis of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse or scapho-lunate advanced collapse wrists. However, lunocapitate fusion, an alternative procedure, shows benefits including less dissection of the soft tissue and also a shorter operation time. We reviewed 10 cases to reveal the complication rates and clinical outcomes of this procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients with symptomatic scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse or scapho-lunate advanced collapse wrists who had received lunocapitate fusion with scaphoid excision. The average follow-up period was 44.5 months (range, 22-68 months). Clinical evaluations were conducted and determined by radiographs, range of motion (flexion-extension), visual analog scale, and Mayo wrist scores. Complications including nonunion and implant migration were recorded.

RESULTS

Among these patients, eight developed solid radiographic union while the remaining two patients showed bone resorption and implant migration and needed revision surgeries. The visual analog scale was decreased from 5.0 to 1.1, and the flexion-extension arc was increased from 61° to 72.5°. The average Mayo Wrist Score was 70 points. The results showed outcomes similar to those of previous studies.

CONCLUSION

Through our investigation and findings, we conclude that lunocapitate fusion can restore a functional and almost pain-free wrist. Moreover, these results were maintained at follow-up sessions, with complication rates being similar to those of previous studies. These results conclude a satisfactory therapeutic alternative to four-corner fusion for advanced degenerative osteoarthritis of wrists.