Proximal row carpectomy: a volar approach.

We retrospectively evaluated 14 patients who underwent proximal row carpectomy through a volar, instead of the routine dorsal approach. The patients were screened for range of motion, grip strength, VAS pain score, and responded to a DASH questionnaire. At a mean follow-up of 16 months, range of motion and grip strength were satisfactory. The disability score was improved, however the pain score was slightly higher than the preoperative score. We conclude that proximal row carpectomy through a volar approach gives comparable results to those reported with the dorsal approach.