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Papers of the Week


Papers: 7 Jan 2023 - 13 Jan 2023


Human Studies


2022 Dec


J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol


27


6

15-20 Year Follow-up After Wrist Arthroplasty Surgery – Revisiting the Development and Introduction of a New Prototype Concept for Total Wrist Arthroplasty.

Authors

Reigstad O, Holm-Glad T, Korslund J, Grimsgaard C, Thorkildsen R, Røkkum M
J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2022 Dec; 27(6):945-951.
PMID: 36606350.

Abstract

Wrist arthroplasties have not achieved clinical outcomes comparable to those of shoulders and knees, being offered low-demand patients due to a high failure rate. In the 90s, there were no wrist arthroplasties available for high-demand patients. An experimental setup for the development of a new wrist arthroplasty intended for all wrist patients were done. A long-term final follow-up to evaluate the performance of the experimental arthroplasty was performed. A novel uncemented modular wrist prosthesis with conical threaded fixation, metal-on-metal coupling and ball-and-socket articulation was developed. In an experimental study, eight patients (7 men, 53 years of age) were operated between 2001 and 2003, to treat non-inflammatory primary or secondary osteoarthritis. Published mid-term results (7-9 years) demonstrated satisfactory function, but two arthroplasties were converted to arthrodesis due to infection. At final follow-up 15-20 years after primary surgery, the remaining six patients still had a wrist arthroplasty (in three the original) in situ. The clinical results were good. Low pain (median = 0), Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH median 11) and Patient Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE median = 14) scores were reported. Wrist active range of motion (AROM) was 64% and grip strength 86% compared to the opposite side. None regretted choosing arthroplasty knowing the outcome. Despite technical errors and the implementation of an incomplete prototype, this new concept for arthroplasty has demonstrated promising long-term fixation, a stable articulation with good range of motion, satisfactory function and pain reduction in high-demand patients. Level IV (Therapeutic).