WRIST ARTHRODESIS USING A DYNAMIC COMPRESSION PLATE

We performed 45 wrist arthrodeses in 43 patients by a modification of the AO technique using the dynamic compression plate. Radiological fol low-up was obtained in 41 wrists; all had united at a mean of ten week s. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 32 wrists. Subjectively, the sur gical outcome was satisfactory in 26, marginally satisfactory in two a nd unsatisfactory in four. This method is safe and reliable. The plate can be contoured to allow a variety of positions of fusion, and gives rigid immobilisation. The rate of union is higher than that for other techniques.