CURRENT STATUS OF WRIST ARTHRODESIS AND WRIST ARTHROPLASTY

A variety of conditions may cause chronic pain and loss of function of the wrist, including rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and osteoarthrosis. During the later half of the twentieth century, su rgeons efforts have fluctuated between various forms of wrist arthrode sis and wrist arthroplasty designs. Currently, most consider the use o f arthroplasty in the wrist with only narrow indications, whereas othe rs favor the use of either limited or panarthrodesis of the wrist. Nev ertheless, the ultimate goal is to provide the patient with the abilit y to position the hand to perform activities of daily living and perso nal hygiene.