Total wrist arthroplasty: a preliminary report

Evaluation of 26 Meuli total wrist arthroplasties in 22 patients 7 to 17 months after operation revealed that 92 percent (24 wrists) were relieved of pain. Postoperative motion averaged 32 degrees of dorsiflexion. 27 degrees of palmar flexion, 2 degrees of radial deviation, and 23 degrees of ulnar deviation. Failure of the prosthetic design to place the center of rotation properly in the capitate resulted in a tendency toward flexion and ulnar deviation deformities. Reoperation was required in nine (35 percent) of the 26 wrists. After reoperation of these nine wrists, 77 percent (20 wrists) of the total group had good or excellent results, 11.5 percent (three wrists) fair, and 11.5 percent (three wrists) poor.