1445 Portland Ave Suite 201
Rochester, NY 14621
Partial Wrist Fusion
September 3rd, 2007
When Rheumatoid Disease affects the wrist, it may only result in damage to the radiocarpal joint--allowing motion at the midcarpal joint after a partial fusion only. This is a motion-preserving alternative to complete wrist fusion and wrist replacement. Even though both of these options result in improved fuction, complete fusion limits wrist motion, and replacement is accompanied by a higher complication rate.After fusion between the radius and the lunate and scaphoid, pain goes away and functional flexion and extension are possible.
During your evaluation, xrays will reveal whether you are a candidate for a partial wrist fusion, and we will discuss the pros and cons of the other alternatives as well.
Related Photos:
Preoperative PA xray shows radiocarpal disease, but the midcarpal joint is well-perserved
Preoperative lateral xray
Intraoperative photo shows the staples bridging the radioscapholunate joint which has bee decorticated and filled with bone graft
Postoperative PA xray shows correction of ulnar translation, distal ulna resection and RSL fusion
Postoperative lateral xray
Postoperative photo shows well healed midline incision
Wrist extension
Wrist flexion
Supination
Pronation