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J Wrist Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2622-4068
Survey or Meta-Analysis

Lunocapitate versus Four-Corner Arthrodesis Using Headless Compression Screws in Treatment of Scapholunate Advanced Collapse and Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse Wrist: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Hong Swo Tan 
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Norwest Private Hospital, Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia
,
Philippe Massard-Combe
2   Specialty Orthopaedics Upper Limb Surgery Research Foundation, Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia
,
Sara Sadat Farshidfar
2   Specialty Orthopaedics Upper Limb Surgery Research Foundation, Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia
,
Mohammed Baba
2   Specialty Orthopaedics Upper Limb Surgery Research Foundation, Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia
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Funding None.
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Abstract

Introduction

Scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse are debilitating degenerative wrist conditions. Four-corner fusion (4CF) and lunocapitate fusion (LCF) are commonly used techniques, with headless compression screws (HCS) improving outcomes in recent years. However, few direct comparisons of 4CF and LCF using HCS exist. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to address this knowledge gap.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Medline, and Cochrane Library. Articles published between 2000 and 2023 were screened in adherence to PRIMSA guidelines. Data extraction focused on primary outcomes such as range of motion, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, as well as secondary outcomes like nonunion and reoperation rates. Pooled estimates for outcomes were calculated using random-effect meta-analyses to account for heterogeneity, with subgroup analyses and statistical significance evaluated at p < 0.05. Results were presented with confidence intervals and forest plots.

Results

Seventeen studies with a total of 281 patients were included. Both techniques demonstrate comparable flexion–extension arcs (72.7 vs. 73.9 degrees), with LCF providing a nonsignificant trend toward better grip strength (39.56 vs. 22.87 kg) and lower DASH scores (11.65 vs. 17.44). However, LCF exhibits higher complication rates, including nonunion (9.15 vs. 3.91%) and reoperation (15.03 vs. 5.47%).

Conclusion

Overall, both techniques provide comparable outcomes. The more anatomical arthrodesis provided by LCF may preserve function better, but it has a more significant complication profile and larger studies are required to investigate its utility over 4CF.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic IV.

Keywords

SLAC - SNAC - four-corner fusion - lunocapitate fusion - headless compression screw

Authors' Contributions

M.B. researched literature and conceived the study. H.S.T., P.M.C., and M.B. were involved in data extraction. S.S.F. is involved in data analysis. H.S.T. wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 30 March 2025

Accepted: 27 May 2025

Article published online:
16 June 2025

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