[Partial intercarpal arthrodesis].

An intercarpal arthrodesis was performed in 21 patients with Kienböck's disease, scaphoid non-union, and instability of the wrist. In eight patients we used the method of Graner, in eight cases the procedure was an arthrodesis between scaphoid and lunate and in five cases an arthrodesis between other carpal bones. Eighteen of these patients were reviewed one to 14 years postoperatively. 30% were pain free, 40% had some residual pain, and 20% had moderate to severe pain. The range of motion in the wrist was restricted mainly in extension. In 40% we found arthrotic changes. Two cases resulted in an arthrodesis of the wrist. Based on the poor results found in this review, we feel the indications for intercarpal arthrodesis are very limited.