Current status of wrist arthrodesis

AIM: In order to ascertain the value and future of wrist arthrodesis we assessed the results of 47 wrist arthrodeses performed at the Departments of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery of the University of Goettingen between 1980 and 1998. METHOD: In a retrospective analysis we examined the patients clinical and radiological records. Evaluating the results we used the score described by Lohmann and Buck-Gramcko in order to consider function, pain, strength and assessment of the patient him/herself. RESULTS: 93.6 % of all cases could be examined. We found a wrist arthrodesis in posttraumatic arthritis in 22 cases and in rheumatoid arthritis in 25 cases. Plate (n = 30) and Rush-Pin osteosynthesis (n = 17) were used as surgical procedures. In all patients we found a successfully stabilised wrist, although in 3 trauma cases a further surgical procedure was necessary. A better function of the wrist was reached in every patient. The majority of the patients had no pain and an acceptable strength. The results obtained showed good and excellent results in 86.4 % of the wrist arthrodesis for post-traumatic arthritis and in 90.9 % for rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: The increase in quality of life, especially in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, shows the procedure of wrist arthrodesis to be a still worthwile surgery.