Long-term functional results of wrist arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of wr ist fusion on the relief of pain and also the functional capacities of the upper limbs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eighteen patients w ere assessed at a mean of 7 years after wrist arthrodesis and a mean of 17 Sears after the onset of RA. Radiological measurements, pain assessment and impairment rating of the upper limbs were made of the fused and non-fused sides. The average position of arthrodesis was 8 degrees of extension and 9 degrees of ulnar deviation. All patients were pleased with the procedure a nd had satisfactory pain relief. Impairment ratings did not detect any sign ificant difference in the sensory and motor function of the hand when the f used and non-fused groups were compared. We conclude that in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, wrist arthrodesis is a reliable procedure that provid es predictable pain relief and a high degree of satisfaction without additi onal functional loss in the upper limb.