Single versus double columnar limited arthrodesis for management of type 2 SLAC and SNAC wrists: Retrospective comparative study

In selected cases of degenerative wrist arthritis, with spared radio-lunate articulation, motion preserving procedures provide viable and reproducible options. The authors have compared single and double columnar arthrodesis in management of grade 2 degenerative wrist arthritis regarding final functional outcomes and potential complications. Patients and methods: forty patients were eligible for review where a retrospective comparative single center study was conducted between two groups including cases of degenerative wrist arthritis type 2 SNAC or SLAC [group 1 included 17 (SNAC) and 3 (SLAC) cases while group 2 included 15 (SNAC) and 5 (SLAC) cases]. Group 1 patients were managed by single columnar arthrodesis “SCA” (20 patients, 15 male and 5 female with a mean age of 38.4 ± 12.3 years) while group 2 patients were managed by double columnar arthrodesis “DCA” (20 patients, 16 male and 4 female with a mean age of 36.2 ± 11.17 years). The mean time needed for union of the arthrodesis was comparable in both groups [2.9 ± 1.6 versus 2.7 ± 1.7 months in groups 1 and 2 respectively; p = 0.475]. The union rate was 95% in both groups. The postoperative clinical parameters in both groups, including DASH, modified Mayo wrist scores, VAS, flexion/extension and active ROM, showed no statistically significant differences. Group 1 had statistically better postoperative radial/ulnar active ROM than Group 2 (p