The functional results of 51 wrist arthrodesis carried out in 49 patients with different regional pathologies are analyzed. In all cases the arthrodesis was performed with rigid internal fixation with a dynamic compression plate; postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 201 months (average: 73 months). Both subjective and objective methods were used in the evaluation. The subjective method was based on the evaluation by the patients and the objective method on analysis of radiographs and functional tests simulating all different functions of the upper limb. The arthrodesis was performed in 14º extension and 8º ulnal deviation, on average. Primary healing was obtained in 50 wrists (98%) in eight weeks on average. Pseudarthrosis was observed in one single case, and eventually healed after reoperation for bone grafting. All patients presented pain improvement, with a different pattern, as compared to the preoperative period and all of those with lighter activities resumed their previous occupation. Relative loss of grip strength (61% from normal) and digital pinch (70% from normal) were observed, but final results were considered as satisfactory on the functional tests, in accordance to the literature. It was concluded that wrist arthrodesis is applicable to a diversity of wrist pathologies which imply in pain and unstability, with easily reproducible results, without significantly affecting the global upper limb function, despite the relative loss of power, mainly due to the pre-existing factor.
Wrist; arthrodesis; functional results
