[Ten years' experience with our method of wrist joint arthrodesis]

Total arthrodesis of the carpal joint is a complex operative procedure that results in the restoration of joint stability in frontal and sagittal planes and improvement in function of the tendons of digits' extensors and flexors. We developed our own method based on the use of a special implant; in this study we report our long-term results.

Since 1992 we have carried out 54 total carpal arthrodeses, using our method, on 51 patients; three patients were treated bilaterally. Both wrists were treated in. This group comprised 34 women and 19 men, with the average age of 47.6 years. We used the modified method mainly in patients with stage IV rheumatic carpal destruction (Larsen classification) or in those with wrist destruction due to arthritis or psoriasis. In two patients, this method was indicated because of a non-reparable lesion of the nervus radialis. It was also used in two patients who had their wrist replacements removed due to failure.

The procedure was carried out, with a tourniquet applied to the upper arm, from the dorsal approach to the carpal joint. After opening the capsule, using an oscillating saw, we resected the facies articularis radii, the carpal bones, which were freed from cartilage and turned into a cancellous in situ filling, and the distal ulna. This procedure prepared the operation field for the application of our plate. This L-shaped plate, only 2 mm thick, with its concave curve fitting the palm, allows for three-point fixation of the metacarpal region and also maintains slight compression.

In all the patients, we achieved osseous fusion detectable by radiography and clinical examination on average at 12 weeks postoperatively. The grasping function of the hand improved in all patients because the carpal axis was adjusted to a functionally convenient position. The resection of the distal ulna, which is a part of our method, removed pain caused by supination or pronation. The patients reported the absence of pain, instability and edema of the wrist.

The aim of any method for total wrist arthrodesis is the firm fixation of resection-treated articular surfaces of the radius, carpal bones and metacarpal bases for a period long enough to allow for their complete fusion. These techniques involve intraosseous procedures, the use of plates, osteorrhaphy and external fixation. Most of these methods use massive corticocancellous grafts collected from the hipbone crest. The critical point of all methods is fixation of the metacarpal region.

The method described here is based on an original implant in the form of an L-shaped plate that permits sufficient fixation without using grafts taken from the pelvis. In patients with rheumatic arthritis, if needed, it facilitates peritenosynovectomy or reconstruction of spontaneous tendon ruptures in one operation. It does not require long-term immobilization in plaster cast and permits early rehabilitation of finger joints.