Changes in hand function following wrist arthrodesis in cerebal palsy.

Eleven wrists in ten patients with cerebral palsy underwent wrist arthrodesis. All patients were reviewed between 6 and 121 months after surgery. Operative technique involved AO plate fixation in nine wrists. When the distal radial physis was still open (two wrists), stabilization was achieved using K-wires. A proximal row carpectomy was performed in eight patients. Soft tissue releases were necessary in three wrists. The procedure achieved its aim of improving hygiene and cosmesis. Functional improvement in the hand was noted in eight wrists. Function was consistently improved in athetoid patients. Copyright 2000 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.