Modified technique of intramedullary fixation for wrist arthrodesis

Twenty-five normal subjects were studied to assess the possible relation of various wrist postures on grip strengths. Most subjects were found to have the strongest grip strengths in a position of neutral deviation and one half of their maximum extension. A small subpopulation normally postured their clenched fists in slight ulnar deviation rather than in neutral deviation. These patients were strongest in ulnar deviation and one half of their maximum extension. A modification of the wrist arthrodesis technique was developed using intramedullary pin fixation in a series of 10 patients. Fusion was successful in all 10 wrists. This technique retains the advantages of speed and simplicity of previous intramedullary fixation methods and also affords the additional advantage of permitting the wrist to be placed in varying degrees of extension and ulnar deviation.