Abstract
Background Severely destroyed posttraumatic wrists are usually treated by partial or total wrist
fusion or proximal row carpectomy. The indications for and longevity of total wrist
arthroplasty (TWA) are still unclear.
Case Description The aim of this study was to analyze a series in which one last-generation total
wrist arthroplasty was used as a salvage procedure for wrists with severe arthritis
due to traumatic causes. The data were prospectively recorded in a web-based registry.
Seven centers participated. Thirty-five cases had a minimum follow-up time of 2 years.
Average follow-up was 39 (24–96) months. Pain had improved significantly at follow-up,
mobility remained unchanged. The total revision rate was 3.7%, and the implant survival
was 92% at 4–8 years.
Literature Review Very few studies have described specific results after TWA in posttraumatic cases
and almost none using classical “third-generation” implants. The number of cases and
the follow-up in the published series are small.
Clinical Relevance Although painful posttraumatic wrists with severe joint destruction can be salvaged
by partial or total fusion, we found that, evaluated at short- to midterm, total wrist
arthroplasty can be an alternative procedure and gives results that are comparable
to those obtained in rheumatoid cases.
Level IV Case series
Keywords
total wrist arthroplasty - posttraumatic - wrist arthritis - wrist arthrosis - prospective
