Wrist Hemiarthroplasty

Wrist hemiarthroplasty is a surgical technique involving partial arthroplasty of the radiocarpal joint. Depending on the pathology the surgeon is treating, the surgery can be radial-sided, radial-sided with a proximal row carpectomy, or carpal sided. The rationale for performing a wrist hemiarthroplasty is to avoid complications associated with total wrist arthroplasty. This may be a better option for younger, more active patients to avoid complications and lifelong activity restrictions inherent to total wrist arthroplasty. Here we review the current literature on wrist hemiarthroplasty and discuss surgical options, indications, and outcomes.