Post-traumatic total wrist arthrodesis: Satisfaction study of 42 cases at a mean 97 months' follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Total wrist arthrodesis is effective in reducing pain in osteoarthritic wrist, but at the cost of range of motion. The aim of the present study was to assess patient satisfaction after post-traumatic total wrist arthrodesis, complications and risk factors.

HYPOTHESIS: Post-traumatic total wrist arthrodesis provides a high rate of satisfaction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective observational satisfaction survey was carried out for the period 2005-2020 by telephone interview.

RESULTS: Forty-two post-traumatic dorsal plate total wrist arthrodeses were included. Mean follow-up was 97 months. Total arthrodesis achieved a mean 75% reduction in pain, with good functional results (QuickDASH: 23 ± 9.1 [11-42]) and satisfaction (83% of patients very satisfied or satisfied). Seventy-two percent of patients continued in their previous work. The complications rate was 48%. Twenty patients had complications, including 14 (33%) requiring surgical revision. Thirteen patients (31%) had hardware removed due to plaque discomfort and 1 due to bone and joint infection. Seven patients showed CRPS.

CONCLUSION: Total wrist arthrodesis provided good results in terms of pain relief and satisfaction, at the cost of loss of motion. It is a reliable surgical technique, with an essential place in the therapeutic algorithm for post-traumatic osteoarthritic wrist, particularly in manual workers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, single-center retrospective observational study.