AO arthrodesis in the hand.

The Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO) method of arthrodesis has been used in 83 patients (110 joints). The overall success rate of fusion was 96%. At the level of the wrist 93% of patients obtained a fusion, with 96% at the metacarpophalangeal level and 100% in the proximal interphalangeal joints. A low incidence of complications was encountered. The method offers a highly reliable fusion rate with excellent relief of pain.