The use of a pyrocarbon capitate resurfacing implant in chronic wrist disorders

Abstract

The present study describes the technique and results of proximal row carpectomy with resection of the head of the capitate and replacement with a pyrocarbon capitate resurfacing implant. The major indication for surgical treatment was arthritic changes on the head of the capitate. Patients were assessed by range of motion, grip strength, pain and functional scoring, and radiographic studies. In most patients, wrist function was improved and pain relief was obtained. This surgical procedure may represent a good alternative to total and partial wrist arthrodesis.

Resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant after proximal row carpectomy: A literature review

“…In 2014, Marcuzzi et al . 15 published the largest study with results of 35 patients (18 SNAC, 11 SLAC, 2 SCAC and 4 Kienböck) who had RCPI implanted. At an average 34 months follow-up mean VAS score decreased from 8.4 to 1.4, wrist ROM improved in flexion-extension (from 25-0-25° to 33-0-34°) and radio-ulnar deviation (from 4.7-0-12° to 12-0-19°), DASH went from a mean 56.9 score before surgery to 11.4 after surgery, and grip strength at Jamar test increased from 10.1 kg to 16.5 kg.…”

“…Out of 35 patients in Marcuzzi’s 15 publication, 10 patients had nonspecific ulnar-sided wrist pain. Of these patients, one had a dynamic distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) instability diagnosed after surgery and underwent synovectomy and DRUJ stabilization; another had radial styloidectomy for pain on the radial styloid due to stylo-trapezoid impingement.…”

Salvage of advanced carpal collapse: proximal row carpectomy with pyrocarbon resurfacing of the capitate versus four-corner arthrodesis

“…Recently promising results have been reported after using RCPI in addition to PRC. The largest case series of combined PRC–RCPI was published by Marcuzzi et al. (2014) who reported the outcomes of 35 cases with various degenerative wrist conditions, including SNAC or SLAC Stage III and IV.…”

“…The tip of the capitate head was excised with an oscillating saw to access the cancellous bone. The osteotomy was performed at 75° to the long axis of the capitate, as described by Marcuzzi et al. (2014).…”

Two cases of pyrocarbon capitate resurfacing after comminuted fracture of the capitate bone

“…Pyrocarbon Capitate Resurfacing has been primarily used for capitate resurfacing in cases of proximal row carpectomy for degenerative wrist diseases [1][2][3]. Our positive experience with the RCPI (resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant) prosthesis in elective cases has led us to consider its use also in comminuted capitate fractures.…”