Avascular necrosis of the capitate: case series of five patients and review of literature

Avascular necrosis of the capitate is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology that causes wrist pain and limits function. From 2009 to 2017, we performed scaphocapitolunate arthrodesis on five patients (one male, four females) with a mean age of 35 years (range 30–37) who had idiopathic avascular necrosis of the capitate. All patients had scaphocapitate and lunocapitate arthritis confirmed by arthroscopy. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range 1–9). At the latest follow-up, the mean wrist flexion–extension was 95° (versus 105° before surgery). Grip strength was 90% relative to the contralateral side. Functional scores were all significantly improved following treatment. Radiologically, fusion was achieved in all cases and there was no displacement or fracture of the bone fixation material. None of the patients had signs of midcarpal collapse or narrowing of the radiocarpal joint space. We conclude that scaphocapitolunate arthrodesis is an acceptable treatment for avascular necrosis of the capitate with midcarpal chondral lesions. It provides adequate pain relief and improves grip strength during medium-term follow-up.

Level of evidence: IV