Abstract

We reexamined 17 patients at 16 to 57 months (average, 23.4 months) after scaphocapitate arthrodesis. Surgery was performed for treatment of rotary scaphoid instability, isolated arthrosis, resistant scaphoid nonunion, and prevention of carpal collapse in Kienböck's disease. Scaphocapitate fusion with autogenous bone grafting was used to bridge carpal spaces. Two patients had nonunion of the scaphocapitate arthrodesis, which required reoperation. Seven patients experience persistent pain with heavy use; of these, two changed occupations and one remains disabled. Compared with the nonoperated side, scaphocapitate fusion reduced wrist extension an average of 28 degrees, flexion 40 degrees, radial deviation 14 degrees, and ulnar deviation 14 degrees. The greatest loss was of radial deviation. Static grip reached a average of 74% of the nonoperated side. Dynamic power regained 73%, and dynamic endurance measured 105% of the nonoperated side. Motion peaked after six months on average, and then reached a plateau. Static strength peaked at 11 months and then stabilized.