Proximal Row Carpectomy Versus 4-Corner Fusion: Incidence, Conversion to Fusion, and Cost

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to compare incidence, demographic trends, and rates of subsequent fusion between proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and 4-corner fusion (4CF) among patients in the United States.

Methods: A total of 3,636 patients who underwent PRC and 5,047 who underwent 4CF were identified from the years 2005 through 2014 among enrollees in the PearlDiver database. Regional distribution, demographic characteristics, annual incidence, comorbidities, and subsequent wrist fusion were compared between the 2 groups. Of the patients identified, 3,512 from each group were age- and sex-matched and subsequently compared for rates of converted fusion, 30- and 90-day readmission rates, and average direct cost.

Results: Patients undergoing 4CF and PRC did not have statistically significant differences in comorbidities. The incidence of the procedures among all subscribers increased for both PRC (1.8 per 10,000 to 2.6 per 10,000) and 4CF (1.2 per 10,000 to 2.0 per 10,000) from 2005 to 2014. Comparing the matched cohorts, patients who underwent 4CF had a higher rate of subsequent fusion than those who underwent PRC (2.67% vs 1.79%). Readmission rates were not significantly different at 30 or 90 days. Average direct cost was significantly greater for 4CF than for PRC.

Conclusions: Both PRC and 4CF have been utilized at increasing rates in the past decade. Wrist fusion rates and average costs are higher in the 4CF group without a significant difference in readmission rates.

Type Of Study/level Of Evidence: Therapeutic III.