STT arthrodesis versus proximal row carpectomy for Lichtman stage IIIB Kienböck's disease: first results of an ongoing observational study.

Introduction: Scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal (STT) arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy (PRC) are used for the treatment of Lichtman stage IIIB Kienböck's disease. This study prospectively compares 1-year results of STT arthrodesis and PRC in Lichtman stage IIIB Kienböck's disease.

Materials And Methods: Nineteen patients were operated: eight with STT arthrodesis and 11 with PRC. Preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively, mobility and grip strength were examined. Both DASH and Mayo Wrist Scores were obtained from the patients.

Results: In the STT arthrodesis group, mean extension/flexion worsened from 54 to 39 % of the opposite hand. Grip strength improved from 52.9 to 62.1 %. The DASH Score improved from 32.6 to 21.4, and the Mayo Wrist Score from 50.6 to 57.9. In the PRC group, extension/flexion decreased from 62.5 to 57.0 % of the opposite hand. Grip strength improved from 38.6 to 69.0 %, the DASH Score from 36.7 to 18.9, and the Mayo Wrist Score from 54.6 to 66.0.

Conclusion: One year after operation, slightly better results were observed in patients with PRC compared to STT arthrodesis.