Proximal row carpectomy with capitate resection and capsular interposition for treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse

Proximal row carpectomy with capitate head resection and dorsal capsular interposition was performed in 8 patients with stage II and III scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC). Mean patient age was 58.5 years (range, 50-79 years). One year postoperatively, range of motion and grip strength were not significantly changed from preoperative values. Mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 27. Pain improved from 8.8 preoperatively to 4.3 postoperatively on a scale of 0-10. Pain levels were highly inversely correlated with final range of motion (r=-0.94, P=.0004). Proximal row carpectomy with capitate leveling and capsular interposition for stage II and III SLAC wrist provides reasonable pain relief in 75% of patients. Patients should be counseled that 25% of cases may demonstrate progression of radiocapitate degeneration, necessitating further intervention.