Ch. Chang et al., WRIST ARTHRODESIS USING A SLAB BONE-GRAFT FROM THE DORSAL RADIUS, Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, 97(5), 1998, pp. 335-338
Arthrodesis is a well-established procedure for the management of wris
t deformity, instability, and arthritis resulting from various causes.
Several techniques, with or without internal fixation or heterotopic
bone grafting, have been described, but no single procedure has gained
general acceptance. We present our results using a simple and reliabl
e technique that employs a local bone graft and light internal fixatio
n. From 1987 to 1996, eight consecutive patients with wrist lesions we
re treated using a modified Gill procedure for arthrodesis. The averag
e age of patients was 62 years and the mean follow-up period was 4 yea
rs. A slab corticocancellous bone graft harvested from the dorsal aspe
ct of the distal radius was turned about to cover the fusion mass from
the distal radius to the third metacarpal bone. Kirschner wires and t
ension band wires were used to fix the wrist and compress the bone gra
ft. A long arm cast was applied for 6 weeks, followed by a short arm c
ast until arthrodesis was achieved. The wrist position was well mainta
ined by the tension band wire alone thereafter. Pain relief, grip stre
ngth, and assesment of daily activities were documented. Solid fusion
was achieved smoothly in all cases and all patients were satisfied wit
h the results. We recommend this simple and reliable technique for wri
st arthrodesis.