Revision total wrist arthroplasty

Abstract

Biaxial design total wrist arthroplasty was used to salvage 13 failed total wrist arthroplasties of various designs. After a follow-up period of 31 months, two wrists had undergone further prosthetic revision for loosening and one wrist was arthrodesed. In the remaining 10 wrists, 8 had no pain, 1 had mild pain, and 1 had moderate pain. Eight patients reported feeling much better, one reported feeling better, and one reported no change. Postoperative range of motion averaged 36 degrees of extension, 19 degrees of flexion, 6 degrees of radial deviation, and 15 degrees of ulnar deviation. X-ray films at follow-up evaluation showed that two revision arthroplasties still in place were loose. The majority of patients had a satisfactory clinical result after revision total wrist arthroplasty with a biaxial design. Loosening of the revision is a significant problem.