Abstract
Background/Purpose Many treatment options are available for wrist osteoarthritis, with the objective
of decreasing pain and preserving function. In later stages when midcarpal and radiocarpal
osteoarthritis occur, two choices remain: total wrist arthrodesis or total wrist arthroplasty.
The purpose of this study is to present the short-term functional changes following
total wrist arthroplasty with the Universal 2 total wrist system (Integra Life Sciences)
in patients with noninflammatory wrist osteoarthritis.
Patients and Methods Patients with severe noninflammatory wrist osteoarthritis were assessed preoperatively,
6 and 12 months after surgery using a range of motion, grip strength, pain, and the
disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. The additional assessment
was performed after 1 year for a range of motion using a biaxial electrogoniometer,
grip strength, DASH, and the Michigan hand questionnaire.
Results All range of motion directions and grip strength did not change from preoperative
values. The DASH score improved from 53 preoperatively to 14 during latest follow-up.
Median patients' satisfaction score decreased with approximately 20 points during
the last follow-up.
Conclusion The relatively good DASH score combined with the partly maintained wrist range of
motion indicates that reconstruction with the Universal 2 total wrist prosthesis should
be considered in patients with end-stage noninflammatory wrist osteoarthritis.
Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic study.
Keywords
posttraumatic osteoarthritis - scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse - scapholunate
advanced collapse - total wrist arthroplasty - Universal 2 total wrist prosthesis
