Lunocapitate fusion using the OSStaple compression staple

Abstract

Midcarpal arthrodesis is a reliable procedure to treat individuals with symptomatic scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) who have failed nonoperative care. The principal keys to a successful midcarpal arthrodesis include achieving union, a proper reduction of the capitolunate interval, and avoiding hardware impingement. A variety of devices are used in an attempt to achieve this. These include Kirchner wires, stainless steel staples, compression screws, and, most recently, circular plates. The performance of these devices has not always been reliable leaving room for improvement. This report describes the use of a new device that facilitates the achievement of the key principals. Staples made of nitinol (OSStaple, BioMedical Enterprises Inc, San Antonio, TX) facilitate provisional reduction, provide continuous compression leading to rapid reliable union, and are low profile.