Periprosthetic radiolucency in total wrist arthroplasty: a radiographic study

This retrospective study investigates the incidences of periprosthetic radiolucency and the position of the prosthesis in patients who underwent total wrist arthroplasty. A total of 50 patients with a mean age of 58 years (SD 11) were included. The available dorsopalmar and lateral radiographs were categorized into the following groups: immediately postoperative and 1, 2, 3, 5 and beyond 6 years postoperatively. The findings of this study indicate that periprosthetic radiolucency is a progressive phenomenon that originates at the bone adjacent to the joint line, possibly due to stress shielding. The size of the periprosthetic radiolucency showed no correlation with any clinical parameter, nor can its size be predicted by intraoperative implant positioning. However, a significant correlation was observed between a reduced implant-middle finger carpometacarpal distance and higher postoperative pain levels as well as patient dissatisfaction. Revision surgery after total wrist arthroplasty should not be solely guided by radiological signs of periprosthetic radiolucency. Instead, this study suggests that consideration for revision surgery should be reserved for symptomatic patients experiencing persistent pain and swelling accompanied by radiographic evidence of carpal implant subsidence.Level of evidence: IV.