Wrist arthrodesis using dorsal radial bone graft

A modification of the Gill technique of wrist arthrodesis using a local bone graft and a combination of Kirschner wires and a tension band wire is described. This technique was used in 17 patients for either limited or complete wrist fusion. Follow-up over an average period of 18.1 months in 16 patients showed union in all 16. Time to union averaged 2.36 months. In three patients, the tension band wire needed to be removed. The advantages of this technique are its simplicity, versatility, and reliability without the need for a distant bone graft.