Scaphocapitate fusion for the treatment of Lichtman stage III Kienböck’s disease. Results of a single center study with literature review

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of scaphocapitate fusion without lunate excision for the treatment of stage III Kienbock's disease and to compare these results with historical results of limited wrist arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed preoperatively and at a mean of 5.8-years' follow-up (range 1.5 to 10.5years) on 17 patients with advanced Kienbock's disease (Lichtman stages: IIIA n=4 and IIIB n=13) treated by scaphocapitate fusion without lunate excision between January 2000 and July 2015. The average DASH score was 19 points (range 2 to 61) and the PRWE score was 23 points (range 0 to 77). The average preoperative VAS for pain of 8 was significantly reduced to an average of 4 with activity (P=0.002) and 1 at rest (P=0.001). The flexion/extension arc was 91 degrees and grip strength was 76% of the contralateral side. The preoperative mean modified carpal height ratio decreased significantly to an average of 1.14 at the latest follow-up (P=0.02). The average carpal-ulnar distance ratio was not altered (P=0.89). The radioscaphoid and scapholunate angles were restored to their normal range. Four scaphocapitate joints failed to fuse. No re-operations were performed. Scaphocapitate fusion for advanced Kienbock's disease maintains wrist motion and significantly relieves pain. Lunate excision is not necessary. Based on a literature review, our results were comparable to those of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid fusion. Proximal row carpectomy is still an option when the radius and capitate articular surfaces are free of significant chondral lesions.