Learn about Proximal Row Carpectomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Proximal Row Carpectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Proximal Row Carpectomy

Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC) is a specialized surgical procedure performed in pediatric orthopedics to address severe, painful conditions of the wrist. It involves the surgical removal of three small bones in the wrist, the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum, creating a new, stable joint between the capitate bone and the radius. This procedure is typically considered a salvage operation when other treatments have failed, often for conditions like advanced Kienböck's disease (avascular necrosis of the lunate) or complex, non-reconstructable fractures. By eliminating the source of pain and arthritis, PRC aims to preserve significant wrist motion and function, allowing children and adolescents to return to daily activities with reduced discomfort. It is a crucial option for restoring quality of life when joint preservation is no longer feasible.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 120 Thousand – 250 Thousand 2-3 days ~ 4-6 months for full functional recovery Know More
Turkey TRY 420 Thousand – 875 Thousand 2-3 days ~ 4-6 months for full functional recovery Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated