Complications of intercarpal arthrodesis

Abstract

Fifty patients who underwent intercarpal arthrodesis were retrospectively reviewed at an average follow-up period of 34 months. Eighteen patients had a good result, 16 results were fair, and 13 were poor. Thirty-six patients experienced some complication, and 25 patients underwent further surgical therapy: The most common indication for secondary surgery was nonunion (16 patients). Good results were significantly decreased among patients who experienced nonunion, required secondary surgery, or experienced any complication. Patients with static carpal instability treated by scaphoid trapezoid trapezium arthrodesis had a significantly greater proportion of good results.