Wrist arthrodesis with the AO titanium wrist fusion plate: A consecutive series of 42 cases

In a 4 year period (1996-1999), 42 total wrist fusions in 25 men and 17 wom en were performed using the AO/ASIF Titanium wrist fusion plate. The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 41 (range, 19-72) years. Th e indication for fusion was post-traumatic arthritis in 29 wrists, Kienbock 's disease in eight, rheumatoid arthritis in three, mono-arthritis in one a nd Volkmann's contracture in one. All patients were reviewed at a median fo llow-up of 23 (range, 6-50) months. The Buck-Gramcko and Lohmann score for functional evaluation was excellent in 35, good in 5 and satisfactory in 2 patients. We conclude that wrist arthrodesis with the AO/ASIF Titanium wris t fusion plate is an excellent option for treatment of various painful diso rders of the wrist.