This is sgilbert; I did the original post back in December, 2018. Since the posting, I sought a second opinion here is Fort Wayne, IN. The second hand doctor recommended (eventually) 4 corner fusion. The first doctor recommended (eventually) PRC. The second doctor stated that the recovery period for FCF is a little longer (than a PRC), but, based upon his experience, recurring pain is seldom an issue with FCF (whereas it can be with PRC). Essentially, what leads to the issue I am experiencing (with both hands) is a ligament rupture. Candidly, I don't know when it happened (in either hand), but it's apparent that if nothing is done within a month or two after the rupture, it's not possible to re-attached the ligament---and mine has been going on for at least 2 years. Once this particular ligament snaps, then the bones in the palm of the hand essentially start sagging towards the wrist, which eventually leads to the arthritis I have. To this point, I have only seen three primary remedies to deal with the issue---FCF, PRC and a full-fusion of the wrist. That said, from what I have read, studied, and obtained from the doctors, I doubt that even the best wrist surgeon in the country has other viable options. gapullin (above) makes some great points (i.e. "keep all the parts"), and if I would proceed to surgery, I would most likely go for the FCF (at least with what I know today). For those of you who are having similar issues with your hands, I have been skiing the last 6 weeks and I'm not having any particular issues, other than I'm living with some pain (tolerable), and grip strength is certainly not what it was a couple years ago. Both doctors told me that I can live with it as long as I can tolerate the pain. Of course, steroid injections are temporary options. In my studies, I have found a tremendous number of athletes (climbers, weight-lifters, etc.) have dealt with this issue. Thus, in this day and age, any insights you can provide on this subject via this forum may help a lot of athletes out there (as they Google the subject). Thanks!