Universal 2™ total wrist arthroplasty: A single-surgeon 6.5-year follow-up study of 22 prostheses

Total wrist arthroplasty remains controversial, with the few studies undertaken being heterogeneous and having low patient numbers. This prospective study involved 22 Universal 2™ total wrist prostheses implanted by the same surgeon between 2003 and 2017. There were 13 women and nine men with an average age of 56 (42-69.5) years. Indications for total wrist arthroplasty were post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Kienböck's disease. The mean follow-up was 6.5 (3-17) years. Two failed implants required total wrist fusion. Postoperative pain, grip strength, QuickDASH, patient-rated wrist evaluation, and Mayo wrist scores improved significantly compared with preoperative scores. The prosthesis preserved equal or slightly greater range of motion than the preoperative range of motion, sufficient to undertake activities of daily living and improve quality of life. Postoperative radiographs 1 month after the surgery and then annually showed signs of bone deterioration in 64% of implants, most osteolysis without loosening, compatible with asymptomatic function. Although a high number of radiographic signs of implant changes were apparent in the midterm, 91% of prostheses are still in place. The long-term survival of this implant is uncertain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.