[Arthrodesis of the wrist in manual workers. Apropos of 36 cases]

We present a review of 36 patients with final radiocarpal arthrodesis done between 1976 and 1987. The series was homogeneous: patients were about 40 years old and lesions were work-related. The most frequent reason for the arthrodesis was fracture of scaphoid bone, followed by Kienbock's disease complex trauma of carpus, severe carpal sprain, and articular fracture of the distal fourth of radial bone. Thirty-one arthrodeses were done by screwed-on iliac graft, 5 by nailing following Mannerfelt technique. The two main factors in functional results were pain and loss of strength. The latter averaged 41 per cent of that of the normal side, and only 8 wrists were completely free of pain. Indications for final radio-carpal arthrodesis are discussed, taking into account the poor functional results and their repercussions on social and professional life of the patient.