Arthrodesis of the wrist for osteoarthritis : outcome with a minimum follow-up of 4 years

The outcome of total wrist arthrodesis was reviewed in 36 patients with osteoarthritis after a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Pain relief was not complete, and although 20 were pain free at rest, only six were pain-free during manual activity. Grip strength was 63 % of the contralateral side and the DASH score remained high. Only 21 of the 34 could be re-employed. The mean time off work was 14 months. Complications were numerous and additional surgery was required in 21 patients