Multiple stapling for wrist arthrodesis in the nonrheumatoid patient

Twenty-five out of 26 consecutive wrist fusions carried out by means of staple fixation alone had follow-up for an average of 40 months. This technique avoids corticocancellous bone grafting, achieves good stability in variable wrist positions with minimal splintage, and seems to avoid serious complications. Fusion occurred in 25 cases in an average of 3 1/5 months with complications in three cases and uneventful results in 22 cases (88%). Two patients were operated on a second time. Fifty-six percent of this patient population requested removal of the staples. This technique does not shorten the time to fusion, but it does obviate extensive plaster immobilization and the morbidity rate of bone grafting.