WRIST ARTHRODESIS IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - A NEW TECHNIQUE USING INTERNAL-FIXATION

Arthrodesis of the wrist is a standard operation which is indicated fo r severe rheumatoid arthritis in which destruction is too advanced for more conservative procedures, or after failure of previous surgery, W e have developed an L-shaped plate designed for this purpose. It provi des rigid internal fixation with the wrist in the neutral position and utilises bone grafts obtained from the distal ulna and the carpal bon es. We have carried out 29 successful fusions between 1992 and 1995. I n all 29 patients synovectomy and resection of the head of the ulna we re performed; 11 also had reconstruction of ruptured extensor tendons, All the patients obtained bony union, pain relief and improved functi on.