Wrist arthrodesis. Technique and functional evaluation.

Wrist arthrodesis is a reliable procedure that, although it sacrifices motion for stability, provides the patient with relief from pain. This review of 26 wrist arthrodeses performed in 24 patients using the AO technique, with plate and screw fixation and iliac crest bone graft, shows a 100% union rate and high patient satisfaction. Using a questionnaire, the patients revealed that they adapted to their fused wrists but still had difficulty with some activities, such as getting the hand into tight places, heavy lifting, and positioning the hand for some specific activities. The most common complication was fracture at the ends of the plate. Removal of the plate after solid healing of the fusion is recommended strongly.