[Arthroplasty of the hand and wrist]

Arthrosis and autoimmune arthritis frequently lead to major impairment of hand function. Primary therapy consists of well- tried conservative treatments and joint preserving surgical options for special indications. In advanced stages silicon spacers remain the gold standard surgical option for replacement of proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalgeal joints of the fingers. Alternatively, surface replacement prostheses can restore the biomechanical properties of these joints more porperly. In case of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb, arthroplasty is gaining popularity as modern implants show excellent mid-term outcome. Although current forth generation implants for wrist replacement are promising, total wrist arthroplasty is currently reserved for exceptional indications.