[Outcome of total arthrodesis of the hand]

In cases of degeneration combined with pain and instability of a wrist joint, fusion of the joint is clearly indicated. A retrospective review of 39 patients a mean of 7 years after operation suggested that radiocarpal arthrodesis had been successful. Fusion of the 39 wrist joints was accomplished by means of an AO plate and cancellous bone grafting. Most patients achieved good function and were completely free of symptoms even during heavy work. Especially for patients with rheumatoid wrist joints and those engaged in hard manual labour subtotal arthrodesis cannot be recommended since the functional results are only negligibly better than those obtained with total arthrodesis.