Limited arthrodesis for the rheumatoid wrist

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Ishikawa H. Hanyu T. Saito H. Takahashi H. Journal of Hand Surgery - St Louis. [JC:ia9] 17(6):1103-9, 1992 Nov. Limited arthrodesis of the proximal carpal row to the radius, synovectomy of the extensor tendons and the wrist joint, and a Darrach procedure were carried out in 25 unstable painful rheumatoid wrists that had ulnar shift and/or palmar subluxation of the carpus. The average follow-up period after the operation was 3 years. Satisfactory results were obtained with relief of pain, improved forearm rotation, and increased grip strength. The average degree of extension and flexion was reduced, respectively, 70% and 54% at follow-up compared with the preoperative range. Postoperative x -ray films showed deterioration in the lunocapitate joint in 12 wrists; however, the wrists remained stable and painless.