Four-dimensional rotational radiographic scanning of the wrist in patients after proximal row carpectomy

We measured cartilage thickness, contact surface area, volume of the capitate and shape of the capitate during motion in the operated and unaffected wrists of 11 patients with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years after proximal row carpectomy. Radiocapitate cartilage thickness in the operated wrists did not differ significantly from radiolunate cartilage thickness in the unaffected wrists. The radiolunate surface area was significantly less than the radiocapitate surface area. The volume of the capitate was significantly increased in the operated wrists. The shape of the capitate changed significantly in two of three orthogonal directions. The combination of remodelling of the capitate, increase in its surface area and intact cartilage thickness could help to explain the clinical success of proximal row carpectomy.