OBJECTIVE: Wrist arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that should always be considered in pathologies where there is alteration of the anatomical and functional structures. In general, the results are very satisfactory, particularly for pain relief, and in the majority of cases, there is considerable functional improvement. Various techniques are described, with different methods of internal fixation, most of which include the carpometacarpal joints (CMJ) in the fusion. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of wrist arthrodesis through a technique which is simpler, more biological, more inexpensive, and does not involve the carpometacarpal joints. METHODS: 15 patients with wrist arthrodesis were evaluated (6 with sequelae of trauma, 4 Rheumatoid Arthritis, 3 Kienbock's grade IV, 1 Preiser and 1 panarthrosis). The technique consisted of the use of an iliac bone plate and internal fixation with Kirschner wires, avoiding the carpometacarpal joints. RESULTS: The evaluation was based on consolidation time (93% in 7 weeks); movements of the fingers and pronosupination; pinch and grasp strength; functional evaluation through the DASH questionnaire, pain and patient satisfaction. In general, the results were similar to those of other, more aggressive techniques, and the non-inclusion of the carpometacarpal joints did not affect the final result. CONCLUSION: wrist arthrodesis with fixation using Kirschner wires and the use of an iliac bone plate, preserving the carpometacarpal joints, gives good or excellent results which are similar to those of other techniques described. However it presents major advantages over other methods: it is less aggressive, less expensive, and does not have the inconvenience and complications associated the use of plates and screws.
Wrist; Arthrodesis; Bone graft; Carpometacarpal joint; Internal fixators
