Wrist function after excision of the pisiform

Abstract

The pisiform bone may provide mechanical stability to the ulnar column of the wrist by preventing triquetral subluxation. Thus, surgical excision of the pisiform might cause loss of function to the wrist. We performed a functional evaluation of 20 hands in 20 patients who had undergone pisiformectomy for pisotriquetral joint dysfunction. At a mean follow-up of 65 months, 15 patients had complete relief of symptoms and five continued with mild discomfort. Compared with the unaffected wrist, there were no significant differences in grip strength and wrist movement, static strength and dynamic power. We conclude that pisiformectomy for pisotriquetral joint dysfunction can be safely recommended because restoration of function with a painless wrist is the normal outcome.