Total arthroplasty of the wrist to relieve pain and increase motion.

Total joint arthroplasty of the wrist is a feasible and satisfactory solution to the problems of patients who have significant wrist pain or severe limitation of motion, or both. It is particularly useful in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or with post-traumatic or degenerative arthritis of the wrist. In geriatric patients, this procedure appears to be a satisfactory alternative to wrist joint arthrodesis. Proper placement of the device and proper surgical technique to simulate the normal balance and motion of the wrist are necessary.