[Partial wrist prosthesis: concept and preliminary results in 13 cases]

The author introduces a novel concept, namely the partial wrist prosthesis. This new technique combines a proximal row carpectomy with resurfacing of the lunate fossa of the radius and the head of the capitate. Results of the first 13 cases are reported with a mean follow-up of 32.7 months (13-72 m). This prosthesis can be used in degenative arthritis of the wrist instead of total fusion.