[Arthrodesis of the wrist joint in patients with polyarthritis]

In rheumatoid arthritis, extreme damage to the wrist joint with rupture of the wrist extensor tendons can only be treated effectively by arthrodesis. The authors describe the technique of wrist fusion by an AO-plate. Twenty-two arthrodeses have been performed between July 1974 and June 1984, representing 7.4% of all surgical procedures on rheumatoid wrists (n = 294). Radial deviation and dorsiflexion of the hand must be avoided. Follow-up was possible in nine patients (eleven wrist-fusions). All these patients were satisfied with the result.