Four-Corner Arthrodesis: Comparative Analysis of Open Technique Versus Percutaneous Technique with Arthroscopic Assistance

Introduction Four-corner arthrodesis is a salvage technique for patients with carpal advanced osteoarthritis. Nowadays, percutaneous techniques with arthroscopic assistance have been described, achieving favorable results with minimally invasive techniques advantages over open surgery. Objective To compare functional and radiological results in patients with SLAC or SNAC wrists operated with open surgical technique versus percutaneous surgery with arthroscopic assistance. Materials and Methods Retrospective case-control study of clinical records and radiological images of patients with carpal advanced osteoarthritis operated with both surgical techniques. We studied demographic variables, pain with visual analog scale (VAS) score, function in ranges of mobility, time of consolidation, and correction of DISI deformity. Results A total of 22 male patients with an average age of 32.5 years were studied. Thirteen patients in the case group (percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance) and nine patients in the control group (open surgery). Pain score in VAS at discharge was 3 for cases and 5 in controls ( p = 0.008), and at 30 days postoperatively, it was 0 and 3 respectively ( p = 0.00). The extension and flexion ranges were 52.6°and 38.7° in the cases and 35.7° and 32.4° in the control group ( p = 0.119 and 0.0016, respectively). The capitolunate angle was 10°in the controls and 5°in the cases ( p = 0.0008). The time of consolidation was 8.8 weeks in cases and 12.5 weeks in controls ( p = 0.039). Conclusions The percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance for the 4-courner arthrodesis is a reproducible technique and is effective in achieving consolidation, pain reduction and preservation of wrist motion. In the present study, we demonstrate superiority of this technique over the open surgery. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, therapeutic study.