Abstract
Purpose: To review a clinical series of patients who have had the SLAC (scapho-lunate advanced collapse) procedure.
Method: 50 patients with degenerative disorders of the wrist managed by a single surgeon using a single technique. The technique involved excision of the scaphoid and radial styloidectomy. Midcarpal arthrodesis was performed, and was stabilised with staples.
The patients were prospectively followed for two years.
Results: The majority of patients were satisfied with their outcome and their pain had decreased. Pre-operative flexion/extension was 39 degrees/38 degrees and post-operatively was 32 degrees/35 degrees. The average grip strength did not change.
Conclusion: The SLAC wrist procedure is a useful technique for patients who have localised degenerative arthritis of the wrist.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor Jegan Krishnan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park 5047, Australia.
