Treatment Outcomes of All Arthroscopic 4-Corner Arthrodesis Techniques With 2 Headless Screws.

PURPOSE: Scaphoid excision with 4-corner arthrodesis is a safe procedure that relieves pain while also preserving the functional movements of the wrist. Different techniques have been described with successful results. In this study, we present the midterm clinical outcomes of 17 patients who underwent treatment with our arthroscopic 4-corner arthrodesis technique.

METHODS

Patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included in our study. Preoperative and postoperative radiologic, functional, and clinical results were compared. Radiologic and clinical union were achieved in all patients.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was observed in Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Mayo Wrist Score, visual analog scale, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores. Although wrist range of motion increased in the radioulnar plane, no clinically important change was observed in the flexion-extension arc. The patients were able to return to work in an average of 10 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic 4-corner arthrodesis technique is a method with satisfactory outcomes. The main disadvantage of this procedure is that it requires a lengthy operative time, and both specific expertise and equipment.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.