Total Wrist Fusion with an Intramedullary Device: A Single-Institution Series with a Minimum of One Year Follow-Up

Objective  The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and surgical outcomes of total wrist fusion (TWF) following the use of a locked intramedullary nail (IMN). Methods  A single institution study was performed, which entailed in-person reexamination of 18 patients ( n  = 19 wrists), out of 35 eligible patients, who underwent TWF with an IMN from 2010 to 2017. For each patient, demographic, preoperative diagnosis, physical examination, wrist radiograph, and outcome questionnaire data were obtained. The questionnaires included the visual analog scale (VAS), quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), and Mayo Wrist Score assessments. In addition, complication and reoperation data for all TWFs with an IMN during the 2010 to 2017 period (35 patients, n _I  = 38 wrists) were noted. Results  In the 18 patients, age was 47.6 ± 13.9 years, 12 (63.2%) were female, and median follow-up was 150 weeks (range: 74-294). The VAS score was 0 ± 0 in 5 of 19 wrists with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 1.82 ± 2.78 in 14 of 19 wrists without RA. It was found that 21 of 38 wrists (55.3%) had an implant-related complication and 5 wrists (13%) underwent a reoperation due to the implant itself. Conclusions  To date, no sufficient data are present demonstrating a clear advantage of an IMN over dorsal plating for TWF at intermediate-term follow-up. Surgeons should be knowledgeable of the several potential complications of this IMN prior to its use for TWF. Level of Evidence  This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.