Radiolunate arthrodesis in the rheumatoid wrist: a retrospective clinical and radiological longterm follow-up

A retrospective study was performed to investigate the clinical and radiological results of radiolunate arthrodesis in the rheumatoid wrist. Ninety-one wrists in 78 patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 60 months. Most patients were pain-free and content with the overall result. In 68 wrists the carpus had been repositioned or maintained in neutral or slightly ulnar alignment and no further translation occurred. Midcarpal dislocation occured in ten and midcarpal rotation in 13 wrists. The midcarpal joint underwent further arthritic destruction in 34 wrists and secondary arthrosis in 32 wrists. In 25 wrists the midcarpal joint space remained unchanged. Radiolunate arthrodesis can successfully be performed in wrists even with advanced destruction. In cases with fixed carpal collapse, anatomical repositioning of the lunate and restoration of carpal height should not be attempted as this causes midcarpal dislocation or rotation or precipitates secondary arthrosis.     

Teilarthrodesen und Fusionen am rheumatischen Handgelenk

The hand (wrist and fingers) is one of the regions most frequently affected by rheumatic arthritis (RA). Obviously, the functional handicap affects activities of daily living and imposes an additional psychological burden, because the nature of the alterations means that the clinical picture can be interpreted as RA from external appearances. Thus, treatment of the rheumatoid wrist is a prodigious challenge for hand surgeons. Radiolunate arthrodesis (RLA), as pioneered by Chamay and Della-Santa, has become an established surgical technique for stabilizing and relieving pain in wrists destroyed by RA. RLA has been described by Stanley as the "golden standard" for the treatment of rheumatoid wrists. For patients with a severe wrist deformity and pain, a complete wrist arthrodesis may be the only viable surgical option.     

Scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal arthrodesis for scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal osteoarthritis

Scapho-trapezio-trapezoid arthrodesis was originally performed for the treatment of scapho-lunate instability. However, only a few publications have described this technique for treatment of osteoarthritis of the scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) joint. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results of triscaphoid arthrodesis for STT osteoarthritis with a long-term follow-up. Thirteen cases of osteoarthritis of the STT joint in twelve patients, all treated by STT arthrodesis, were reviewed with an average follow-up of 60 months. Pain was classified according to Alnot's classification: eight patients were classified as grade III, two as grade IV and two as grade II. The average preoperative range of motion of the wrist was 51 degrees for flexion, 39 degrees for extension, 9 degrees for radial deviation and 28 degrees for ulnar deviation. Grip strength was compared to the contralateral side. Radiographic changes were classified according to Crosby's classification, including sublevels for carpal instability. Four wrists were classified 2a and nine wrists were classified 2b. The average radio-lunate and scapho-lunate angles were 14 and 45 degrees respectively. Pain was improved in all patients (P = 0.05) all of whom were subjectively satisfied. Strength and range-of-motion did not statistically decrease after STT arthrodesis except for wrist extension (P = 0.03). Radio-lunate and scapho-lunate angles were unchanged in five patients and improved in five patients. There were four non-unions of whom two patients without pain were not re-operated. The other two were re-operated with the same technique leading to fusion. Scapho-trapezio-trapezoid arthrodesis is an efficient procedure for STT osteoarthritis with regard to pain reduction. Strength and global range-of-motion are not modified by this procedure. Moreover, as it limits carpal instability, this procedure is preferable in active patients.     

Distraction resection arthroplasty of the wrist

Proximal row carpectomy should not be done if wrist degeneration includes cartilage destruction of the capitate or lunate fossa of the radius; yet total wrist arthroplasty has been disappointing for treatment of osteoarthritis. We have used a technique we call distraction resection wrist arthroplasty in such cases. We retrospectively reviewed distraction resection wrist arthroplasty in 14 wrists and compared them to nine patients who had PRC; average follow-up was 32 months. Three patients had spastic contractures and 20 had operation for painful osteoarthritis. Patient satisfaction was high but there were four failures requiring arthrodesis (1 PRC, 3 DRA). Average postoperative wrist motion was 41 degrees of extension, 38 degrees of flexion, 11 degrees of radial deviation, and 13 degrees of ulnar deviation. Static strength averaged almost two thirds of the uninvolved side and dynamic power more than half. Differences between the DRA and PRC patients were not statistically significant in single or aggregate analysis. We believe that distraction technique extends the indications for biologic arthroplasty to patients whose only prior option was wrist arthrodesis.     

Radiolunate arthrodesis: A procedure for stabilising and preserving mobility in the arthritic wrist

We carried out arthrodesis of the radiolunate joint in 46 wrists (38 patients) for pain and ulnar translation of the carpus because of rheumatoid (42) or psoriatic arthritis (4). At follow-up, three patients had died and in three (1 bilateral) an additional midcarpal arthrodesis had been undertaken. The remaining 32 patients (39 wrists) were evaluated after a mean of five years. The clinical results were good with a mean visual analogue score of 8.3 for pain, 7.2 for hand function and 9 for overall satisfaction. Except for palmar flexion, mobility was equal to or better than before operation. Radiologically, there was deterioration of the midcarpal joint with an increase in the Larsen score from 1.8 to 2.7 (p < 0.001), some decrease in carpal height and recurrence of carpal translation. Radiolunate arthrodesis gives good clinical results at five years although there is some deterioration radiologically.     

Arthrodesis of the wrist with bioabsorbable fixation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Twenty-four wrist arthrodeses were performed on 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide rod as the fixation device. There was one nonunion which required a re-operation and two nonunions which did not need further treatment. The position of the arthrodesis was ulnar deviation and extension in most patients, and there was high patient satisfaction with 21 of the 24 wrists and satisfactory pain relief in 22 of the 24 wrists. This method for fusing the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis appears reliable and simple to perform.     

Triquetral-lunate arthritis secondary to synostosis

Until recently the problem of painful, symptomatic arthritis of the wrist secondary to congenitally incomplete separation of carpal bones has been infrequently recognized. Five patients with either excessive stress loading or trauma had eight symptomatic wrists with congenitally incomplete separation of the triquetral-lunate joint. Three of these patients had bilateral symptoms. Six of the wrists had been treated by a limited wrist arthrodesis of the triquetral-lunate joint resulting in asymptomatic wrists and improved range of motion. It appears that patients with this congenital condition poorly tolerate stress loading or trauma secondary to deficient intra-articular cartilage formation resulting in a clinical and anatomic state similar to degenerative arthritis. We suggest a limited wrist arthrodesis as definitive treatment for symptomatic congenitally incomplete separation of the triquetral-lunate joint, with possible application in incomplete separation of the other intercarpal joints.     

Resection of the distal scaphoid for scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis.

Twenty-one patients with symptomatic scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis were treated with partial distal scaphoid excision. In 12 wrists the joint defect was filled with either capsular or tendinous tissue, while in nine no fibrous interposition was done. At an average follow-up time of 29 (range, 12-61) months, 13 wrists were painfree, while eight had occasional mild discomfort. Mean wrist flexion-extension was 119 degrees. Grip and pinch strength improved by an average of 26% and 40% respectively compared with their preoperative status. Fifteen patients returned to their original jobs, while six, who were unemployed, felt unrestricted for activities of daily living. Although patient satisfaction was comparable for both types of treatment, the wrists without fibrous interposition showed significantly greater wrist flexion-extension than patients with soft-tissue interposition. Removal of the distal scaphoid resulted in a DISI pattern of carpal malalignment in 12 wrists. At follow-up, none of these wrists showed further joint deterioration due to residual malalignment.     

Scaphoid excision with four-corner fusion

The scaphoid plays a critical role in maintain-ing normal carpal kinematics. SLAC and SNAC wrist arthritis demonstrate the ramifications ofscaphoid pathology on wrist biomechanics. In the past, symptomatic SLAC or SNAC pathology spelled total wrist arthrodesis. Over the past 20 years there has been a movement toward limited wrist arthrodesis in the treatment of SLAC/SNAC wrists. In the long-term follow-up of four-corner fusions, patient satisfaction is high, patients are able to return to their previous vocation, and wrist function averages 60%-70% of the contralateral wrist. The Spider plate is a recent advancement in the four-corner fusion armamentarium that has thus far shown great promise in respect to fusion rates (100% in the first documented series [36]),functional range of motion, intercarpal stability[37], and patient satisfaction.     

Pisotriquetral dysfunction following limited and total wrist arthrodesis

PURPOSE: We report a series of pisotriquetral arthritis cases following wrist and intercarpal arthrodesis, offer an anatomic and biomechanical rationale, and introduce intraoperative considerations to avoid this potential complication. METHODS: Nine patients with pisotriquetral arthritis requiring pisiform excision following wrist and intercarpal arthrodesis were retrospectively evaluated at 2 institutions. Five paired cadaver wrists were tested for alterations in pressure and kinematics of the pisotriquetral joint following four-corner and total wrist fusions. RESULTS: Nine patients were successfully treated with pisiform excision for pisotriquetral arthritis following wrist and intercarpal fusions. Biomechanical cadaver testing demonstrated profound alterations in pisotriquetral kinematics and pressure changes in measured degrees of wrist position following wrist and intercarpal fusions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing four-corner and/or wrist arthrodesis should be assessed for pisotriquetral discomfort before surgery, including a physical examination and a 30 degrees supinated radiograph to look for degenerative changes. Attempts should be made intraoperatively to ensure that the proximal row is not fused in an extended position. After surgery, if discomfort develops and conservative treatment fails, then pisiform excision can successfully alleviate the pain.     

Results of Mannerfelt wrist arthrodesis for rheumatoid arthritis in relation to the position of the fused wrist

Purpose

The wrist is involved early in rheumatoid arthritis and is often severely affected. A stable wrist is crucial to good hand function, which often necessitates a fusion. One of the most commonly used techniques in rheumatoid patients is the Mannerfelt arthrodesis. In this retrospective study the outcome and the patient’s subjective satisfaction are presented and compared to other techniques. Also the influence of the position of the wrist following a fusion procedure is analysed.

Methods

Thirty-four wrists were retrospectively analysed using radiological measurements, functional scores such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and a pain assessment. The objective function of the hand with the fused wrist was assessed.

Results

In 92.6 % of wrists the patients rated their satisfaction as good or excellent. The mean DASH score post-operatively was 63.3. Of the wrists, 17 were fixed in a median flexed position of 13° and 17 wrists in a median extended position of 8°. There was no statistically significant correlation between the position of the wrist and the satisfaction or objective function. The rate of fusion was 94.1 %.

Conclusions

The Mannerfelt arthrodesis achieves good results and provides a high rate of satisfaction and pain relief in our study. It has major advantages compared to other wrist fusion techniques in the rheumatoid patient. We could not show clear statistical evidence for better results in either a flexed or an extended position, but the ratings of the patients indicated better subjective results with a slightly extended position of the arthrodesis.     

Long-term results of silicone wrist arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE: The surgical treatment of the rheumatoid wrist is key in managing the affected hand. Wrist fusion is often the treatment of choice in cases of severe destruction and deformation although most patients would prefer a motion-preserving procedure. The implantation of a wrist prosthesis might be an alternative to partial arthrodesis for selected cases. In this series we analyzed the long-term results (minimum follow-up period, 10 y) of the Swanson silicone spacer for the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Sixteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 18 silicone spacers for the wrists were reviewed after a minimum follow-up period of 10 years (average, 15 y). Subjective evaluation, clinical examination, and radiographic analysis were included. An additional 9 patients (9 wrists) were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: In 12 of the patients the subjective result was good or very good, mostly because of adequate pain relief. The average range of motion for flexion (average, 28 degrees )/extension (average, 15 degrees ) was 43 degrees with a wide variation within the series. Radiologically all wrists had diminished residual carpal height at follow-up evaluation and 9 of the wrists had evidence of osteolysis and foreign-body granuloma. The initial good correction of the ulnar translation of the wrist was lost partially in the follow-up period (1.1 vs 4.0 mm). Three of the patients needed surgical revision within the follow-up period; all were converted to wrist fusion. CONCLUSIONS: These long-term results suggest that the silicone wrist spacer still may be considered as an alternative to wrist fusion or more complex wrist joint prostheses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially in severe cases and in patients with low demands. In the long term osteolysis caused by foreign-body granulation is to be expected and has to be considered.     

AO-wrist arthrodesis: with and without arthrodesis of the third carpometacarpal joint

The incorporation of the third carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ-3) during wrist arthrodesis is controversial. This retrospective study of 146 consecutive wrist arthrodeses with AO plate fixation specifically addresses this question. In 79 wrist arthrodeses the CMCJ-3 was also arthrodesed, and in 67 the CMCJ-3 was simply bridged. Problems relating specifically to the CMCJ-3 could not be analyzed clearly with the plate in situ. Therefore after plate removal only 81 wrists were evaluated with respect to the CMCJ-3. Of 47 wrists that had CMCJ-3 arthrodesis and plate removal, 20 developed a nonunion. Eleven of these were painful and further surgical treatment was required. In contrast, of 34 wrists with the CMCJ-3 bridged all but one remained free of symptoms after the plate had been removed. We conclude that the CMCJ-3 must not be included in the arthrodesis when performing an AO-wrist arthrodesis.     

Arthrodesis of the spastic wrist.

The clinical and radiographic results of 9 patients (11 wrists) who had wrist arthrodeses for severe spastic flexion contracture were evaluated. The spasticity was due to cerebral palsy, traumatic head injury, and cerebrovascular accident. All wrist deformities were aesthetically unappealing and the patients or their caretakers had difficulty with hygiene or function. The subjective evaluation included overall satisfaction, hand hygiene, wrist deformity, functional improvement, and willingness to have surgery again given the same preoperative circumstances. A standardized hand function questionnaire was used to determine functional improvement following surgery. The objective evaluation included clinical evidence of fusion, skin condition, wrist position, and radiographic assessment. The average age of the patients was 22 years at the time of surgery and the average follow-up period was 32 months. All patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery and hygiene improved in all cases. None had palmar skin maceration or breakdown. All patients or their caretakers rated the overall appearance or wrist and hand deformity as improved and all but one patient would agree to have the surgery over again given the same preoperative circumstances. According to a 17-task hand function questionnaire, 8 of 9 patients (10 wrists) reported improved function after surgery. Face washing, propelling a wheelchair, and picking up both large and small objects were among the most frequently improved functions. Radiographic fusion was present in all cases. The average position of wrist fusion was 15 degrees flexion and the average amount of wrist correction was 85 degrees. Improved appearance, hygiene, and a certain degree of upper extremity function, regardless of cognitive abilities, can be expected following arthrodesis for severe spastic wrist deformity.     

Capitolunate arthrodesis with scaphoid and triquetrum excision

A retrospective two-center outcome study was designed to evaluate the results of capitolunate arthrodesis with scaphoid and triquetrum excision mainly for scapholunate advanced collapse patterns of arthritis. Fourteen wrists in 14 patients were evaluated objectively by standard parameters and subjectively by the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment at an average of 28 months after surgery (range, 14-51 months). All patients were men between the ages of 20 and 70 years (average, 49 years). Two patients had a painful nonunion and one had persistent pain despite conversion to a solid wrist arthrodesis. One patient had x-ray evidence of progressive radiolunate narrowing, but only occasional pain. Postoperative wrist flexion-extension arc was 53 degrees and radioulnar deviation arc was 18 degrees. Grip and pinch strengths were 71% and 75%, respectively, of the normal contralateral wrist. The results of our study indicate that capitolunate arthrodesis with scaphoid and triquetrum excision is comparable to other motion-preserving operative procedures for scapholunate advance collapse.     

Results of resection of the head of the ulna]

A follow up of 57 wrists with resection of caput ulnae shows different value to different groups of patients. The painful arthrosis of distal radioulnar joint gives indication in posttraumatic cases. Release of pain and improvement of range of motion will be achieved; loss of strength is the most impairing problem for younger patients. 13 patients out of 21 with posttraumatic deformities were satisfied with the post-operative outcome; 13 patients showed significant loss of strength, too. In case of rheumatoid arthritis with caput-ulnae-syndrome the resection is without alternative, needs to be combined with the arthrodesis of radiolunar-joint, if necessary. 20 of 34 rheumatics were satisfied with the outcome after resection of caput ulnae; in 6 cases an ulnar drift was evident, which implied simultaneous or later partial arthrodesis of the wrist. For all patients release of pain decided on their satisfaction with surgery.     

Capitolunate Arthrodesis for Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC) Wrist Arthritis

The aim of the study was to evaluate results of capitolunate arthrodesis for the treatment of post traumatic degenerative SNAC wrist disorders. A capitolunate arthrodesis was performed on 12 patients, three women and nine men, of 44 years in average (28–66 years). Ten patients were manual workers; dominant side was involved in seven cases with no history of previous operation. Fixation of the arthrodesis was performed with headless compression screws. Patients were reviewed at 37.4 months of average follow up (range; 12–47 months). Mayo score equal to 82.8 points. Radiolunate and capitolunate angles were decreased of 6 and 8° respectively at the final follow up radiograph compared to preoperative values. The Ten manual worker patients were able to return to their previous professional activities and the other two patients were retired but they resume their sports and recreational activities. With the advent of headless compression screws the capitolunate arthrodesis gained a higher union rate, short operative time and short rehabilitation period. In the present study the capitolunate arthrodesis allowed restoring a stable functional wrist in the 12 patients reviewed. It is a satisfactory therapeutic alternative to four corners fusion for SNAC wrist with osteoarthritis.     

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis as a treatment for failed hallux valgus surgery

BACKGROUND: The results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis as a specific treatment for failed hallux valgus correction has not been previously reported. We evaluated the results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis as a treatment for failed hallux valgus surgery. METHODS: The records of the senior author (MJC) were reviewed to identify patients treated for symptomatic failed hallux valgus procedures with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint over a 20-year period. Twenty-nine patients (33 feet) were available for followup examination. The patients completed a visual analog pain score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale, and a patient satisfaction scale at the final followup. Radiographs were obtained of both feet. RESULTS: The average followup was 8 (1 to 22) years. The average pain score improved from 7 to 3 points. The mean AOFAS score was 73 points at followup. Patient satisfaction was excellent for 13 feet (39%), good in 11 (33%), fair in eight (24%), and poor in one (3%). The mean hallux valgus angle was 16 degrees, with an intermetatarsal angle of 8 degrees. There were three asymptomatic and one symptomatic nonunions. Twenty-two feet (67%) had corrective procedures performed on the lesser toes at the time of the first MTP joint arthrodesis. CONCLUSIONS: First MTP joint arthrodesis is a reliable option for revision after failure of surgical treatment of hallux valgus. This procedure can be used to treat a number of failure modes following initial hallux valgus surgery including recurrence, hallux varus, cock-up deformity, degenerative arthritis of the MTP joint, and associated transfer lesions beneath the lesser metatarsals. First MTP joint arthrodesis can be used after failed proximal and distal osteotomies, arthrodesis of the metatarsocuneiform joint, McBride procedure, exostectomy, and resection arthroplasty. Revision procedures have poorer clinical outcomes than successful primary hallux valgus procedures.     

Radiolunäre Arthrodese: Erfahrungen mit der gekreuzten Schraubenosteosynthese

Radiolunate arthrodesis is a common operation performed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Osteosynthesis with crossed screws has been used since mid 2000 in the author’s hospital. In the present article, the complication rate associated with this method was determined and compared to other methods. From 1987–2005, a total of 75 wrists in 57 patients were operated, 27 wrists with crossed screws. A questionnaire was completed for 47 wrists, and a total of 42 wrists were examined at follow-up. Average time of follow-up was 10.5 years (range: 3–21 years). Patient satisfaction was high: on 44 questionnaires (from a total of 47) this question was answered with ‘very satisfied’ and ‘satisfied’. Average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 41 points. Average range of motion was 59°for extension/flexion. There was one case of pseudarthrosis in the patient group receiving crossed screws (27 operated wrists), which less than with the other methods. There were fewer complications (including removal of metal due to dislocation) with the crossed screws than with other methods of osteosynthesis.     

Special aspects of wrist arthritis management for SLAC and SNAC wrists using midcarpal arthrodesis: results of bilateral operations and conversion to total arthrodesis

Although midcarpal wrist arthrodesis is recognized as a standard procedure to treat scapholuate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) of the wrist, little has been reported about patients with bilateral involvement and the number, cause, and results of failed cases requiring conversion to total wrist arthrodesis. This study investigated the results of 20 patients with bilateral procedures and of 22 patients who underwent total wrist fusion after failed midcarpal arthrodesis out of an overall group of 907 patients treated by this method during a 12-year period. Of these, 16 bilateral and 20 converted cases were reexamined after an average of 48 months and 42 months, respectively. Patients after bilateral midcarpal arthrodesis experienced a pain reduction by an average of 54% of the preoperative pain values at rest and by 56% at stress on the visual analog scale (scale range: 0 to 100) and from intolerable (3.7) to pain only during stress (1.9) on the verbal scale (scale range: I to 4). A mean arc of wrist extension and flexion of 53 degrees on the right and 49 of the left wrist was preserved. The mean DASH score was 45 points and 70% of the patients felt impaired only during certain activities. Total arthrodesis reduced pain in 18 of 20 reexamined wrists by 67% of the previous values after the failed partial arthrodesis at rest and by 46% at stress on the visual analog scale andfrom intolerable pain (3.7) to pain only during stress (2.1) on the verbal scale. Seven of the 20 reexamined patients noted complete pain relief at rest and two also under stress conditions. The DASH score averaged 39 points. A mean Krimmer score of 46 points and a mean Buck-Gramcko and Lohman evaluation of 6 points represented a satisfactory result. Grip strength of the operated hand averaged 53% of the opposite side. Subjectively, 30% felt impaired only during certain activities, 55%felt considerably and 15% strongly limited in daily life. However, all but two patients were satisfied with the secondary total wrist fusion as pain was considerably reduced. Midcarpal arthrodesis reliably reduced pain and preserved valuable wrist mobility thus improving daily activity and quality of life also in bilateral carpal collapse. In the rare cases when midcarpal arthrodesis failed, total wrist arthrodesis markedly improved the complaints in most patients, but in contrast to other studies complete pain was seldom.