Various pathologies of the adult carpus result in clinical scenarios where excision can be considered and even recommended. In the appropriate patient population, isolated carpal excision can alleviate pain and improve mobility. Excisions of the pisiform, trapezium, and trapezoid have abundant literature evidence to support positive long-term functional outcomes. In contrast, isolated excision of the capitate, hamate, and triquetrum has limited support in the literature secondary to compromise of carpal mechanics and lead to recurrent pain. Additionally, isolated scaphoid and lunate excision are best avoided secondary to carpal collapse and should be paired with concomitant stabilizing procedures in the carpus. This article provides a comprehensive literature review of isolated excision of each osseous carpal bone, their indications, and previously assessed outcomes.

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) with soft tissue interposition arthroplasty (STIA) presents an alternative approach to addressing wrist arthritis patterns involving the capitate and/or lunate fossa, in lieu of wrist arthrodesis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and techniques associated with PRC-STIA in patients with advanced wrist arthritis. We conducted a systematic review using databases including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion criteria involved articles reporting outcomes of patients who underwent PRC-STIA with at least 1 relevant outcome. The analysis encompassed 8 studies involving 106 patients (108 wrists) meeting the inclusion criteria. A majority of patients were men (69%, n = 88), with a mean age of 54.4 ± 12.7 years and an average follow-up of 4.8 ± 6.3 years. Dorsal capsule was the most commonly interposed tissue (63%, 5 out of 8 studies). Patients receiving STIA achieved comparable patient-reported outcome measures scores to those undergoing PRC alone. Postoperative pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale, averaged 3.7 ± 0.6. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score averaged 27.8 ± 8, while the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score averaged 41.5 ± 25.9. Five complications were reported in three studies. The addition of STIA into PRC for patients with capitate and/or lunate fossa cartilage degeneration yielded outcomes akin to traditional PRC, improving wrist function, pain, and grip strength in a safe and straightforward manner. Future research should prioritize high-quality comparative studies, extended follow-up periods, and standardized core outcome measures for a more comprehensive understanding of its role in wrist arthritis treatment.

Corticosteroid injection (CSI) has a relatively high benefit-to-risk ratio and is commonly administered to treat musculoskeletal conditions. However, perioperative CSI has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. The literature suggests delaying surgery after CSI to minimize the risk of postoperative infection. We review the literature to summarize the most current knowledge on the association between perioperative CSI and infection rates for different hand and upper extremity procedures.
Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search using PubMed and Web of Science databases (through October 1, 2022). The database searches used were (((injection) AND (infection)) AND (risk)) AND ((hand) OR (wrist) OR (elbow) OR (shoulder)). English-language articles were screened for infection rates associated with CSI given temporally around upper extremity surgery, focusing between 6 months preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively.
Nineteen articles including database queries and retrospective case-control or cohort studies were used after screening 465 articles. Most infection rates were increased in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery between 3 months preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. Intraoperative injection during elbow arthroscopy demonstrated increased infection rate relative to other upper extremity surgeries.
Corticosteroid injection increased the risk of infection temporally around upper extremity surgeries; however, CSI provides benefits. The consensus regarding CSI timeline perioperatively has yet to be determined. The evidence supports an increased benefit-to-risk ratio when giving corticosteroids greater than 3 months preoperatively and greater than 1 month postoperatively for most upper extremity procedures, with relative contraindications within 1 month of upper extremity surgery.