Effect of scaphoid and triquetrum excision after limited stabilisation on cadaver wrist movement

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of excision of the scaphoid and triquetrum on the range of motion of the embalmed cadaver wrist joint after midcarpal stabilisation. The range of motion was measured in 12 cadaver wrists before and after stabilisation of the joints between the lunate, capitate, triquetrum and hamate. This was measured again following resection of the scaphoid and then the triquetrum. Scaphoid excision after four-corner stabilisation increased the radioulnar (RU) arc by 12° and the flexion–extension (F–E) arc by 10°. Subsequent excision of the triquetrum, to produce a three-corner stabilisation, further increased the RU arc by 7° and the F–E arc by 6°. Three-corner stabilisation with excision of scaphoid and triquetrum improved wrist motion in embalmed cadavers.