Perichondrial wrist arthroplasty--a follow-up study in 17 rheumatoid patients

The author analyzes the long-term results of a new method of arthroplasty in the rheumatoid wrist. The new method, performed in 17 patients over four years, consists of reconstruction of the joint surfaces with perichondrial grafts. The functional and clinical results are analyzed. All patients showed overall subjective and objective improvement. Moreover, the new functional stability of the wrist remained constant throughout the follow-up period. No recurrence of joint deformity or synovitis was observed. The method is recommended for patients with painful, unstable, or dislocated wrists and in those with ankylosis in the nonfunctional wrist.