Wrist arthrodesis with excision of the proximal carpal bones using the AO/ASIF wrist fusion plate and local bone graft

We present our series of 17 patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis with e xcision of the proximal row carpal bones using the AO wrist fusion plate an d local bone graft obtained from the excised proximal carpal row. All patie nts were evaluated using a questionnaire to assess pain, function, ability to perform an occupation and satisfaction with the procedure, The mean foll ow-up was 17 months, at which time all the fusions had united, Clinical out come scores showed that 14 and 15 of the 17 patients achieved good or excel lent results with regard to their current condition and clinical improvemen t, respectively. Four patients required secondary surgery, two for fracture s and two for instability of the distal radio-ulnar joint unrelated to the wrist fusion,