Four-corner Arthrodesis

Although nearly every combination of intercarpal arthrodeses has been described, excision of the scaphoid and fusion of the remaining carpal bones in neutral alignment was a unique concept when it was introduced nearly 20 years ago. This time-tested and established procedure that is commonly known as the 4-corner or 4-bone arthrodesis is based on the principle that the radiolunate articulation is often spared from degenerative changes from conditions that result in rotatory subluxations of the scaphoid. The 4-corner arthrodesis is a motion-sparing, limited arthrodesis that reliably results in pain relief, improved grip strength, and overall high patient satisfaction with low associated nonunion and complication rates. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand