Partial Wrist Denervation for SLAC Wrist

Partial wrist denervation involves dividing the anterior and posterior interosseus nerves via a single dorsal forearm incision as a means of disrupting pain transmission and thereby alleviating symptoms. In comparison to salvage procedures, it is relatively low risk with minimal postoperative restrictions and rapid recovery time. The reported success rates with partial wrist denervation are generally comparable to the alternative salvage procedures. However, there is warranted concern regarding the medium- to long-term durability of the treatment benefits. Diagnostic nerve blocks can be considered as a tool to prognosticate the likelihood of success with partial wrist denervation. For patients with SLAC wrist, partial wrist denervation offers a reasonable alternative to proximal row carpectomy and scaphoidectomy with intercarpal fusion.