[Total denervation of the wrist. Apropos of 50 cases]

Fifty patients who underwent a total denervation of the wrist were reviewed after an average of 5 years post-operatively. The main aetiology was diffuse osteo-arthritis secondary to scaphoid nonunion (44 per cent) and Kienbock's disease, stage IV (22 per cent). This resulted in pain and functional disability. Another surgical procedure was carried out in 40 per cent of patients. Post-operative complications included one painful neuroma and 3 patients complained of radial nerve paraesthesia. Pain was improved in 36 of the 50 patients with an average score of 72 over a scale of 100. There was no significant change in power or range of movement.