Clinical evaluation of proximal row carpectomy revealed by follow-up for 10-29 years.

To investigate the long-term clinical results of proximal row carpectomy for treating chronic wrist injuries, we collected the postoperative results of ten patients who underwent this procedure between 1978 and 1996. The evaluation was based on Gartland and Werley and modified Green and O'Brien scoring systems. The follow-up ranged from ten to 29 years. Nine patients could perform daily activities properly, two experienced occasional pain and one moderate pain. Eight patients were rated as excellent, two were good, while none was fair or poor by the former scoring system. Seven patients were rated as good, three were fair and none was excellent or poor by the latter scoring system. No apparent degenerative change was found in the radiocapitate joints apart from a slight change in one patient. The operation is a dependable and durable procedure that results in satisfactory pain relief, improved functional wrist motion and grip strength, allowing most patients to resume their previous work.