Long-term results after total wrist fusion

Sixty-eight patients with seventy-one total wrist fusions were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 11.7 years. The main purpose of this study was to determine long-term functional results and define possible reasons for remaining pain. Except one asymptomatic non-union, all wrist fusions united. The long-term functional result averaged 30 points using the DASH score and appears to be more favorable compared to midterm results in another publication from this department. Only 15 patients were completely free of pain. Most patients complained about remaining pain during strong activities with a mean VAS of 4/10 that could not further been defined on clinical or radiological examinations. Patients with more than two previous operations had a significant worse outcome concerning the modified Mayo wrist score [≤ 1 operation mean 61 points vs. ≥ 2 operations mean 56 points (Mann-Whitney U test: p = 0.009)] and PRWE-G [≤ 1 operation mean 27 points vs. ≥ 2 operations mean 37 points (t test: p = 0.047)] and furthermore a downward trend for worse DASH [≤ 1 operation mean 265 points vs. ≥ 2 operations mean 35 points (t test: p = 0.086)] results. Despite the loss of wrist motion and remaining pain, patients were highly satisfied with the long-term result and 93% would undergo the operation again.