Proximal row carpectomy: an alternative to wrist fusion?

Problems with implant failure and silicone synovitis and a high complication rate in wrist arthrodesis have recently increased the interest in solutions that use residual biological articular surfaces. These include limited intercarpal fusions and proximal row carpectomy (PRC). PRC is a relatively easy procedure with few complications. We reviewed 27 personal cases. According to this study PRC offers a painless range of motion, with an average of 68 degrees flexion/extension range and an average grip strength of 60% of the contralateral side. The failure rate is 18.5%. However, failures can be successfully converted into wrist arthrodesis. Our follow-up period ranges from 6 to 36 months. Late deterioration has not been reported in the literature. On the contrary, improvement of mobility and grip strength several months after operation have been observed. We still favor PRC as a salvage procedure in order to offer the patient some motion, provided that there is no osteoarthritis over the capitate and the lunate facet preoperatively.