Total wrist arthroplasty.

Abstract

Although arthroplasty is a well-established procedure for many joints, its use in the wrist is less common, and the indications are less well defined. The standard procedure for the painful arthritic wrist remains radiocarpal arthrodesis. However, as technology and surgical procedures improve, wrist arthroplasty is being used more frequently. The authors provide a brief history of total wrist arthroplasty and review the arthroplasties most commonly used in the United States. Results with total wrist implants, the complications related to arthroplasty, technical aspects of the procedure, and salvage options are also discussed.