Lateral Approach for Scaphoid Excision and Capitolunate Arthrodesis in the Treatment of Scapholunate Advanced Collapse and Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse Wrists: A Case Series

OBJECTIVE: The dorsal approach is commonly used in open wrist arthrodesis. However, the extensor compartments and the dorsal wrist capsule need to be opened. We propose and evaluate a lateral approach using a small incision over the scaphoid anatomical snuffbox, which could be more straightforward for performing scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis in the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC). METHODS: Between 2016 and 2021, 10 patients were enrolled retrospectively and underwent the lateral approach for scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis. We presented the radiographic outcomes, including fusion status, capitolunate angle, and carpal height ratio. The functional outcomes of wrist range of motion, grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and Mayo wrist score were evaluated. The data obtained were analyzed and presented as the mean and standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: All 10 patients achieved solid bone fusion, and the mean follow‐up period was 20.4 (range 12–38; SD 10.1) months. Postoperatively, the mean capitolunate angle and carpal height ratio improved from 18.1° (range 8–34°; SD 8.6°) to 2.9° (range 0–5°; SD 1.9°) and 0.45 (range 0.40–0.49; SD 0.03)% to 0.50 (range 0.46–0.54; SD 0.02)%, respectively. The average preoperative and final follow‐up functional results were as follows: flexion‐extension arc of 76.5° (range 50–110°; SD 20.0°) and 74.0° (range 65–90°; SD 9.1°); VAS pain score of 5.8 (range 4–7; SD 1.0) and 0.9 (range 0–2; SD 0.6); QuickDASH score of 55.9 (range 40.9–79.5; SD 11.4) and 26.1 (range 18.2–36.4; SD 6.0); and Mayo wrist score of 46.5 (range 25–60; SD 13.8) and 72.5 (range 70–80; SD 3.5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral approach for scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis in treating SLAC and SNAC can provide a straightforward way for performance. This approach does not require disruption of the dorsal wrist capsule and extensor retinaculum. Bony healing can be achieved, and functional outcomes can be improved.