These case reports describe a mediocarpal arthrodesis with excision of the scaphoid using a cortical bolting chip and screw fixation instead of the use of Kirschner wires or Spider plates.
Four patients with a symptomatic SLAC/SLAC-wrist >or= grade II were treated. The evaluation occurred six months later. For the evaluation the Cooney and Bussey as well as DASH scores were used (pain, strength, range of motion, functional status, possible limitations of quality of life, subjective perception of the patient). The radiological evaluation was performed by conventional wrist X-ray in two projections.
All patients were pain-free after the operation. From the radiological point of view a complete osseous consolidation has set in. The mean strength six months after surgical intervention was 53 % (preoperative 52 %) and the total range of motion 47 % (preoperative 59 %) compared to the opposite side. The Cooney and Bussey scores were at 69 (+ 25 %) and the DASH score at 44 (- 28 %) points.
In case of an SNAC/SLAC-wrist a motion-preserving operation should always be given preference to a wrist stiffening procedure. The modified mid-carpal partial arthrodesis is an alternative operating procedure for the treatment of SNAC/SLAC-wrists in stage II/III. However, a higher number of cases and comparative studies are needed to confirm this concept.