LONG-TERM RESULTS FOLLOWING PROXIMAL ROW CARPECTOMY

The functional outcome, patient satisfaction, and x-ray film status fo r 23 wrists were examined an average of 6 years following proximal row carpectomy. Surgery was performed for Kienbock's disease, scapholunat e dissociation with periscaphoid arthritis, and scaphoid nonunion not suitable for bone grafting. Twenty patients were satisfied with functi onal performance and pain relief. Wrist flexion-extension are averaged 74 degrees, or 61%, of the opposite wrist at a later examination. Gri p strength, corrected for dominance, averaged 79% of the opposite side , reflecting an average improvement of 15 kg force. Radiocarpal arthri tis developed in three wrists, but only one required arthrodesis for p ain relief. The majority of patients experienced satisfactory pain rel ief, functional wrist motion, and effective grip strength following pr oximal row carpectomy. The results did not decline at an average of 6 years after surgery