limited fusion of the capitate to the hamate has also been used successfully to prevent carpal collapse;
however, following this procedure, grip strength is slow to return;
some believe that this is a poor treatment option, since it does not cross both carpal rows, and consequently is ineffective in causing transfer load to the ulnar side of the wrist;
capitate shortening w/ captiate-hamate fusion
may increase scaphoid loading by 20%;
captitate is shortened about 3 mm;
proximal pole of hamate is removed to prevent hamate-lunate articulation;
Technique
fusion is accomplished through a dorsal approach, decorticating adjacent surface of the capitate and hamate and packing this w/ cancellous bone;
slotted corticocancellous graft is then compressed between capitate and hamate;
