Proximal row carpectomy in patients older than 50 years: 3 to 16 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the long-term results and the prognosis of patients who have undergone proximal row carpectomy (PRC) in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This is a retrospective study of 14 patients undergoing PRC with a follow-up of 3 to 16 years. The ability to perform daily activities, mobility and functional capacity after the surgery were assessed using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire (PRWE).

RESULTS

The range of movement was satisfactory. The mean score on the PRWE scale was 20.9±17.2 for the pain subscale and 39±35.5 for the functional capacity subscale. None of the patients required revision surgery or developed complications. Eighty percent of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. Ninety percent of the patients would undergo surgery again.

DISCUSSION

The wrist's range of movement achieved with this technique is similar to that obtained with other mobility preservation techniques. Secondary arthritic changes in the radio-capitate joint do not necessarily produce pain. Some authors have described that the degree of satisfaction after PRC is equivalent to that of other procedures such as arthrodesis in 4 corners with circular plate arthrodesis or middle-carpal arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION

PRC achieved high satisfaction rates among the patients providing pain relief, good mobility and post-operative functionality of the wrist. In addition, it presented few complications.