Pin arthrodesis of the wrist--a modified technique

An intramedullary pin is commonly used for wrist arthrodesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, pin migration is a recognized complication of this technique. We report the results of wrist fusion in 15 patients using a modified technique with a transverse blocking screw inserted into the metacarpal distal to the intramedullary pin to prevent distal migration and backing out of the intramedullary pin. The procedure is simple to perform, does not add significantly to the operating time and has not been associated with any complications.