Radiocarpal Arthrodesis in the Treatment of the Rheumatoid Wrist. A Prospective Midterm Follow-up

This prospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of radiocarpal joint arthrodesis in the treatment of unstable Simmen group III and Larsen grade II or III rheumatoid wrists. Radiolunate arthrodesis was performed in 16 wrists and radioscapholunate arthrodesis in 7 wrists in 20 patients. When they were evaluated at a mean of 5.8 (range 3.5–9.8) years later, flexion was 29° and extension 34°, representing 67% and 92% of the preoperative values, respectively. Patient satisfaction was excellent, or good, for 20 wrists and satisfactory for 1 wrist. In two patients with poor satisfaction, arthritis progressed to the midcarpal joint and necessitated total arthrodesis of the wrist. Radiolunate joint arthrodesis, with inclusion of the scaphoid in the fusion if necessary, is a useful operation in the treatment of this degree of wrist disease as it produces a functional and pain-free wrist at the same time as preserving much of the mobility and bone stock.

A Comparison of Two Indices for Ulnar Translation and Carpal Height in the Rheumatoid Wrist

The indices for ulnar translation described by Chamay et al. (1983 , Annales de Chirurgie de la Main, Vol. 2, pp. 5–17), and Bouman et al. (1994 , Journal of Hand Surgery Vol. 19B, pp. 325–329), and for carpal height described by Youm et al. (1978 , Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol. 40A, pp. 423–431) and Bouman et al. (1994) were compared in pre- and postoperative wrist X-rays of 91 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing radiolunate arthrodesis. Both indices described by Bouman had a higher applicability and sensitivity than the Chamay and Youm indices and are recommended for use with the rheumatoid wrist. However false-negative values may result when the Bouman index for ulnar translation is used to follow up radiolunate arthrodesis.

Radiolunate Arthrodesis in the Rheumatoid Wrist: A Retrospective Clinical and Radiological Longterm Follow-Up

A retrospective study was performed to investigate the clinical and radiological results of radiolunate arthrodesis in the rheumatoid wrist. Ninety-one wrists in 78 patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 60 months. Most patients were pain-free and content with the overall result. In 68 wrists the carpus had been repositioned or maintained in neutral or slightly ulnar alignment and no further translation occurred. Midcarpal dislocation occured in ten and midcarpal rotation in 13 wrists. The midcarpal joint underwent further arthritic destruction in 34 wrists and secondary arthrosis in 32 wrists. In 25 wrists the midcarpal joint space remained unchanged. Radiolunate arthrodesis can successfully be performed in wrists even with advanced destruction. In cases with fixed carpal collapse, anatomical repositioning of the lunate and restoration of carpal height should not be attempted as this causes midcarpal dislocation or rotation or precipitates secondary arthrosis.