Limited triscaphoid intercarpal arthrodesis for rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid

Abstract

Rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid is a well known lesion that is relatively common and results in instability of the wrist. It has been well accepted that because of the subluxation of the scaphoid, degenerative changes in the wrist may develop rapidly, and for that reason correction of the subluxation in its early stages is indicated. Over the past thirteen years, many cases of rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid in various stages of the pathological process have been successfully treated with a triscaphoid arthrodesis of the wrist (fusion of the scaphoid, trapezium, and trapezoid) at the Connecticut Combined Hand Surgery Service. A follow-up of thirty patients with an average length of follow-up of three years and eleven months is described. From this experience, a classification system and treatment plans for each type of rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid have evolved.