[Endoprosthetic replacement of the rheumatoid wrist].

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis preventive and reconstructive surgery of the hand provide better functional results and higher patient satisfaction when surgery is done adequately before the inflammatory stage, especially when multiple joints are affected. Synovectomy, arthrodesis and prosthetic reconstruction are able to guarantee maintenance of function even in late stages and severe destruction, when modern drug therapy cannot prevent further inflammatory attacks and increasing destruction.