Total wrist arthroplasty. Experience with a noncemented wrist prosthesis.

Abstract

Experience with an improved total wrist prosthesis developed in 1986 is reported. It could be shown that a solid osseointegration of the prosthesis can be achieved without use of cement. The most important prerequisite is to place the prosthetic components correctly into solid bone stock. Ten revisions were necessary, most directly related to technical errors or improper selection of patients. Thirty-eight prostheses were implanted in 33 patients. The length of followup ranged from 3 to 9.5 years (average, 5.5 years). Patient satisfaction, pain, daily activities, motion, grip strength, and radiographs were evaluated. The overall results were excellent in 20, good in 10, fair in two, and poor in six wrists.