Open and closed arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist using a modified (Stanley) Steinmann pin

In a series of 21 patients (22 wrists) with rheumatoid arthritis, arthrodes is of the wrist was done using a modified Steinmann pin (Stanley) either by an open or closed technique, The open technique, which included fragmentin g the carpal bones (12 cases), was mainly used when additional procedures w ere needed simultaneously. The closed technique simply required insertion o f the Stanley pin under fluoroscan control through a small incision over th e metacarpal head. Nine out of 12 wrists treated with the open technique an d nine out of ten of those treated by the closed technique were successfull y fused, Complications were few, A single patient was dissatisfied due to c ontinuing pain. Two out of the four pins that migrated (both involving the open technique) have been removed.