About Proximal Row Carpectomy
Key Highlights
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Effectively relieves chronic wrist pain caused by advanced arthritis or avascular necrosis.Preserves a functional range of motion in the wrist, crucial for a child's development and activities.Considered a reliable salvage procedure when other reconstructive options are not viable.Can prevent the progression of degenerative changes to other parts of the wrist joint.Helps restore grip strength and overall hand function over time.
Who is this surgery for?
- Advanced Kienböck's disease (Lunatomalacia) with collapse of the lunate bone.
- Non-union or avascular necrosis of the scaphoid bone (Preiser's disease) not amenable to reconstruction.
- Severe post-traumatic arthritis of the proximal carpal row.
- Certain complex carpal fracture-dislocations that cannot be satisfactorily reduced and fixed.
- Failed previous surgical procedures on the wrist, such as a failed scaphoid non-union repair.
- As a pain-relieving option for select congenital or developmental wrist disorders causing debilitating arthritis.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation and detailed discussion of the procedure, goals, and alternatives with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon and family.
- Advanced imaging studies, typically including X-rays and often an MRI or CT scan, to precisely assess the extent of damage.
- Pre-operative blood tests and a general medical clearance to ensure the child is fit for anesthesia and surgery.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like aspirin or anti-inflammatories) as advised by the surgical team to reduce bleeding risk.
- Fasting for a specified period (usually 6-8 hours for solids) prior to the scheduled surgery time.
- Planning for post-operative support, including arranging time off school and assistance with daily activities during initial recovery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, hematoma, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, potentially leading to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the wrist compared to pre-operative expectations.
- Persistent pain or the development of new pain.
- Progressive arthritis in the new joint (radio-capitate joint) over the long term.
- Weakness in grip strength.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a condition of severe, prolonged pain and swelling.
- Need for further surgery in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediately after surgery, the wrist will be placed in a bulky dressing and splint or cast to protect the new joint.
- Significant pain and swelling are managed with prescribed medications and elevation of the hand.
- The initial cast is typically worn for 4-6 weeks to allow for early healing.
- A structured hand therapy program is crucial, starting with gentle motion exercises and progressing to strengthening.
- Full recovery and return to sports or heavy activities may take 4 to 6 months or longer.
- Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon are necessary to monitor healing and progress in therapy.
- Long-term, some activity modifications may be recommended to protect the wrist joint.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering proximal row carpectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform proximal row carpectomy. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for proximal row carpectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Navya Sharma is a bright and...
Navya Sharma is a bright and artistic 14-year-old who loves sketching and playing the violin. She was diagnosed with Kienböck's disease (avascular necrosis of the lunate) in her dominant right wrist after two years of increasing pain and stiffness that began with a seemingly minor fall. Despite months of casting and activity modification, her pain became constant, her grip strength weakened dramatically, and she could no longer hold her violin bow or pencils for long. Her pediatric orthopedist, Dr. Evans, recommended a Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC) to remove the three damaged small wrist bones, relieve her pain, and preserve motion by allowing the capitate bone to articulate with the radius. Navya was terrified of surgery and the possibility of never playing music again. The procedure went smoothly. Her recovery involved a period of immobilization followed by dedicated hand therapy. While she lost some wrist extension, her pain was gone. With adaptive techniques and perseverance, she gradually returned to sketching and, after six months, to playing the violin with a modified grip. Her emotional journey was one of initial fear and loss, transforming into immense relief and pride in her resilience as she reclaimed her passions.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Proximal Row Carpectomy
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform proximal row carpectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata