Long-term functional outcomes after bilateral total wrist arthrodesis
Eric R Wagner1, Bassem T Elhassan1, Sanjeev Kakar1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Hand Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|December 17, 2014
Summary
Bilateral total wrist arthrodesis significantly reduced pain and improved function for patients with severe wrist arthritis. Most patients were satisfied, finding it a viable option for maintaining quality of life despite some limitations.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Hand and wrist surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- Severe bilateral carpal arthrosis presents significant functional challenges.
- Total wrist arthrodesis is a surgical option for end-stage wrist arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of bilateral total wrist arthrodesis.
- To assess functional recovery, pain reduction, and patient satisfaction following the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing bilateral wrist arthrodesis (1980-2010).
- Outcome measures included pain, validated questionnaires (DASH, PRWE, MHQ), satisfaction, and complications.
- Analysis of factors associated with outcomes and revision surgeries.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in grip strength and pain levels observed.
- High patient satisfaction (93%) and return to work reported.
- Factors like age, steroid use, and other joint disorders correlated with poorer outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral total wrist arthrodesis effectively alleviates pain and restores function in severe bilateral wrist disease.
- Patients generally adapt well, achieving satisfactory quality of life.
- It serves as a viable salvage procedure for advanced bilateral wrist pathology.
