Scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT)/triscaphe fusion is used to stabilize the radial column of the wrist. However the reported results are controversial.
111 patients were treated with STT fusion from 1992 to 1997. Indications were chronic dissociation of the scapholunate joint (n = 15), idiopathic arthrosis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint (n = 11), Kienböck's disease in advanced stage (n = 84) and dislocation of the trapezium (n = 1). This study reviews the results after an average follow-up period of four years (range, two to eight years).
Patients showed an average wrist motion (ROM) in extension and flexion of 81 % of the preoperative range and in radial and ulnar deviation of 68 % of the preoperative range. Preoperative pain values (VAS) were reduced 76 % (non-stress) and 55 % (stress). The average grip strength improved to 65 % of the contra-lateral side. Good results were reached according to the modified Mayo wrist score with a score of 66 points (71 points in arthritis of the STT joint; 62 points in Kienböck's disease, 60 points in SL-dissociation). The patients described low disability in the DASH scores, with an average of 27 points.
Our data show that STT fusion is reliable and effective for treatment and pain relief and offers reasonable functional results in the above mentioned indications.