Review article: Total wrist arthroplasty

18 English-language studies published between January 2003 and April 2013 were retrieved from the MEDLINE database using the key word 'total wrist arthroplasty'. In most studies, total wrist arthroplasty achieved improvement in pain and function over time. In a meta-analysis, the revision rate was 17% for third-generation implants. The survival rate was 92% for fourth-generation implants at 4 years. Complication rates ranged from 0% to 100% for third-generation implants and from 6% to 47% for fourth-generation implants. Results of total wrist arthroplasty vary greatly; longer-term studies are needed to determine its cost-effectiveness.