The preliminary results of treatment of symptomatic carpal boss by wedge joint resection, radial bone grafting and arthrodesis with a shape memory staple.

There is no consensus regarding the aetiology or treatment of carpal boss. Recurrences or carpometacarpal instability is reported after simple resection. Carpometacarpal arthrodesis has been proposed as a primary treatment and after failure of simple resection. This paper reports the results at a mean follow-up of 17 (range 13-28) months of treatment by wedge-shaped joint resection, corticocancellous radial bone graft and arthrodesis with a shape memory staple of seven of 32 patients who presented with a painful carpal boss. The study group included five women and two men of mean age at operation 29 (range 18-40) years. Fusion was achieved in all cases and all patients were pain free at follow-up. No complications occurred and all the patients were pleased with the aesthetic aspect of the treatment.