Arthroscopic Arthrodesis for Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Osteoarthritis: A Multicenter Study of 11 Cases

Abstract

Purpose Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis may cause chronic radial-sided wrist pain and functional impairment. When surgery is considered, arthrodesis is a well-known treatment option. This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an arthroscopic STT arthrodesis with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Methods A multicenter study was performed including 11 patients with symptomatic isolated STT osteoarthritis, refractory to conservative treatment. All patients underwent arthroscopic arthrodesis using two midcarpal portals, distal radius cancellous autograft, and two headless compression screws. Clinical and functional outcomes included pain by visual analog scale (VAS), wrist flexion-extension arc, grip strength, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Presence of radiographic union was assessed by computed tomography (CT) at 3 months. Results At a mean follow-up of 21 months, median VAS pain improved from 7 preoperatively to 0 at final follow-up. Median wrist flexion-extension arc at final follow-up was 100 degrees, corresponding to 77% of the contralateral side. Median grip strength improved from 10 kg preoperatively to 24 kg, corresponding to 82% of the contralateral side. Median QuickDASH improved from 67.5 to 9.1, and median PRWE improved from 76.0 to 11.5. Radiographic union was achieved in all patients. Conclusion Arthroscopic STT arthrodesis using distal radius cancellous autograft and headless compression screw fixation is a valuable treatment option for isolated STT osteoarthritis.Level of Evidence IV.