The use of resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implants (RCPI) in chronic diseases of the wrist: outcomes of more than 100 cases

Introduction: In advanced chronic post-traumatic wrist pathology, the goal of surgery has always been to reduce pain while trying to preserve the function of the wrist itself as much as possible; numerous interventions have been developed to achieve these goals (partial arthrodesis, 4-angle arthrodesis, the use of prosthetic implants…). Purposes: The purpose of the study is to evaluate outcomes and complications rate of proximal row carpectomy associated with the resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant (RCPI) for chronic diseases of the wrist. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of the patients operated on between June 2004 and March 2021 was performed. Pain, wrist range of motion in flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation and grip strength were compared preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months. Complications and additional procedures were recorded. Results: A total of 112 patients underwent surgery for proximal row carpectomy and placement of RCPI with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. Between the preoperative and the 2-year follow-up, a reduction in pain (VAS from 7.3 to 0.5), an increase in grip strength (from 8 to 17 kg) and an increase in ROM in all planes (flexion from 19° to 44°, extension from 20° to 46°, radial deviation from 7° to 14° and ulnar deviation from 13° to 28°) were recorded. Ten (8.9%) patients required additional surgery, with only 2 (1.8%) patients requiring revision of the implant. Conclusions: Proximal row carpectomy associated with RCPI is an excellent surgical strategy to relieve pain and to improve wrist range of motion and grip strength in patients with chronic diseases of the wrist.