Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Open and Arthroscopically-Assisted Mini Open Proximal Row Carpectomy for Lichtman Stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) can be performed in the late stages of Kienböck disease using the traditional open technique or arthroscopically. In this study, we describe the arthroscopically-assisted mini-open PRC technique. The aim of the study was to compare the functional results with the open PRC technique in advanced-stage Kienböck disease. METHODS: The medical records of patients with Kienböck disease who underwent open PRC between 2006-2010 (Cohort A) and arthroscopically-assisted PRC (AAPRC) between 2010-2018 (Cohort B) were analyzed. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, visual analog scale, and Modified Mayo Wrist Scores were compared, which were obtained at the early postoperative (third month) and final follow-up. RESULTS: Cohort A had 14 and Cohort B 21 patients. The preoperative, early, and final mean visual analog scale scores were 7, 3, and 0.3, respectively, for Cohort A, and 7, 0.3, and 0.1, respectively, for Cohort B. The preoperative mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores decreased from 69 to 34 at the third-month and 6.1 on the final follow-up visit for Cohort A and from 77 to 18, and 5 for Cohort B. The final Mayo wrist scores were excellent in 4, good in 4, and moderate in 6 of the Cohort A patients, and excellent in 11, good in 8, and moderate in 2 of the Cohort B patients. Mean flexion increased to 52° from 43° for Cohort A and to 62° from 41° for Cohort B. CONCLUSIONS: AAPRC, compared to the open PRC, resulted in increased wrist motion and increased Mayo wrist scores in the long-term. Also, the third-month patient-related outcomes revealed favorable results in the AAPRC group. We attribute these findings to the earlier initiation of postoperative wrist motion and the less invasive character of the AAPRC procedure. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Suture-button Fixation and Arthroscopic Dorsal Ligamento-capsulodesis in Chronic Scapholunate Dissociation.

The treatment choice in scapholunate (SL) injury depends on the extent of the SL ligament tear, chronicity of injury, quality of the ligament remnants, reducibility of carpal malalignment, and cartilage status of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. In the absence of degenerative changes with chronic reducible dissociation, the optimal treatment would be the reconstruction of the SL interosseous ligament. Various SL reconstruction techniques via open or arthroscopic approaches have been described over the years; they include tendon reconstructions, volar/dorsal capsulodesis, SL allografts, bone-tissue-bone composite grafts, reduction and association of the scaphoid and lunate procedure, SL axis method, and SL internal brace technique. However, all of these techniques have their own shortcomings and disadvantages. The present study demonstrates a new technique using a suture-button device for the reduction and fixation of SL diastasis. The suture-button system is positioned between the scaphoid and the triquetrum, the direction of the system prevents scaphoid flexion and maintains continuity of the reduction. Arthroscopic dorsal ligamento-capsulodesis technique can be added to achieve biological healing during the stabilization process. The major advantages of this technique over others are a straightforward application with shorter operative time and lack of a need for harvesting a tendon graft. The technique is performed through mini-incisions, which enable a shorter postoperative recovery time and rehabilitation period and a quicker restoration of function which decreases the risk of joint stiffness. Furthermore, large bone tunnels which increase the risk of fracture are avoided.