A proximal row carpectomy (PRC) involves eliminating one of the two rows of tiny bones found in the wrist. In simple terms, it turns a complex wrist joint into an easy yet stable hinge. The scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum in the first row of bones are removed during surgery. As a result, the second row of bones can rise and instantly articulate with forearm bone radius one.
For advanced wrist arthritic changes, it is a harmful, salvage, but motion-preserving treatment. Effective pain relief from surgery is exchanged for some stiffness in the form of a limited range of motion (by around 50%). If you need more information, contact carpectomy Chula Vista.
All you need to know about proximal row carpectomy
Several conditions can be helped via proximal row carpectomy.
Radiocarpal arthritis and scapho-lunate ligament disruption (also known as SLAC wrist, for scapho-lunate advanced collapse)
- Radiocarpal arthritis with scaphoid nonunion, commonly referred to as an SNAC (scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse) wrist
- Kienböck disease with collapse
- (Acute or Chronic) Perilunate Dislocation
- failed wrist replacement surgeries
- severe wrist flexion contractures
Treatment Preparation
Planning ahead and making necessary changes to work and personal responsibilities usually helps. Therefore, before your procedure, please take the following into account:
- To lower the risk of bleeding, anticoagulation drugs, including Aspirin, Brufen, Warfarin, and Clopidrogel, should preferably be stopped a few days before surgery, but seeking advice from the doctor who prescribed them is essential. Smoking can adversely affect the result of surgery and raise the risk of issues, so it is strongly recommended you quit before surgery.
- As you will not be allowed to drive after the procedure, please make plans to be picked up from the hospital.
- Plan your time off from your job, school, or sports.
- After surgery, wait at least a few weeks before considering a vacation.
Surgery and recovery
The operation lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and is carried out on an outpatient basis under regional or general anesthesia. The incision, which will ultimately result in a scar, can be longitudinal or transverse and ranges from 8 to 15 cm. It is made close to the rear of the wrist. Relevant bones are removed while leaving behind critical anatomical systems, including the joint capsule, tendons, and nerves.
To finish closing the wound, absorbable or non-absorbable sutures may be used. After surgery, the wrist is immobilized with a bandage and splint for around 4-5 weeks.