Proximal Row Carpectomy Versus Scaphoid Excision and Intercarpal Arthrodesis: Intraoperative Assessment and Procedure Selection

Purpose To demonstrate the relative frequency of degenerative changes of the radiolunate and capitolunate joints in osteoarthritis of the wrist as seen by direct visualization, and to demonstrate the disparity between findings on preoperative radiographs and direct visualization. Methods We reviewed 18 consecutive patients who underwent either a proximal row carpectomy (PRC) or a scaphoid excision and 4-corner arthrodesis (SEFCA) for symptomatic degenerative arthritis of the wrist. In each case, the articular surfaces of the radiolunate and capitolunate joints were inspected intraoperatively; based on the relative degree of degenerative changes, either a PRC or an SEFCA was performed. We compared preoperative radiographs and the predicted procedure based on them with intraoperative findings and the procedure actually performed. Results Of 18 wrists, 15 had more severe degenerative changes on the proximal articular surface of the lunate than on the capitate head and underwent a PRC; the remaining 3 had more severe changes on the capitate head than on the proximal surface of the lunate and underwent an SEFCA. In contrast, preoperative radiographs in 13 of the 18 cases revealed degenerative changes at the capitolunate joint and minimal or no changes at the radiolunate joint. An SEFCA was the predicted procedure in all 13, but was performed in 3. The remaining 10 underwent a PRC. Conclusions Preoperative radiographs did not correlate well with intraoperative findings in the assessment of degenerative changes at the radiolunate and capitolunate joints, with changes at the radiolunate joint often underestimated. Our findings contradict the widely held contention that the radiolunate joint is consistently spared in osteoarthritis. The lunate fossa of the radius appears to be consistently spared, but not the proximal surface of the lunate. We recommend intraoperative assessment of the articular surfaces, rather than preoperative radiographs, for selection of the surgical procedure. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.