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