Complete Wrist Fusion

September 3rd, 2007

Complete wrist fusion has, for years, been a successful option for severe wrist arthritis secondary to Rheumatoid diease or post-traumatic arthritis. Because most patients desire some motion at the wrist, options like partial fusion and wrist replacement are understandably more attractive (please refer to separate articles regarding these options, on this page.)

If severe loss of bone and deformity exist, however, wrist fusion may be the wiser option--since it restores excellent pain relief while still allowing good hand function.

Related Photos:

Preoperative PA xray shows severe Rheumatoid disease involving the radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints

Preoperative lateral xray shows a degree of volar subluxation, which will be corrected at the time of fusion

The use of a single rod avoids the potential complications accompanying plate and screw use in this population, where poor bone quality is common

Postoperative lateral xray

This patient had second stage MP joint replacements as well