Total wrist fusion: a study of 115 patients

• Published in: Journal of hand surgery, British volume Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 217 - 219
• Main Authors: Rauhaniemi, J., Tiusanen, H., Sipola, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2005; SAGE Publications
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - physiopathology; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - surgery; Arthrodesis - adverse effects; Arthrodesis - methods; Child; Female; Hand Strength - physiology; Humans; Ilium - transplantation; Male; Mannerfelt technique in wrist fusion; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Patient Satisfaction; Retrospective Studies; total wrist fusion; Ulna - transplantation; wrist fusion in rheumatoid arthritis; Wrist Joint - physiopathology; Wrist Joint - surgery; total wrist fusion; wrist fusion in rheumatoid arthritis; Mannerfelt technique in wrist fusion
• ISSN: 0266-7681; 1532-2211
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsb.2004.11.008

This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of total wrist fusion, predominantly using the Mannerfelt technique, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One hundred and fifteen patients were operated on for painful wrist destruction. The mean pain scores were 3.6 (1–4) pre-operatively, 1.9 (1–4) after 6 weeks and 1.3 (1–4) at 1 year. Although the radiological fusion rate was good, only 40% of the patients were very satisfied with the result. Ability to perform activities of daily living was only very much improved in 30% of the patients. Grip strength significantly improved after surgery.