Total wrist arthrodesis epidemiology and prior surgeries survival.

Abstract

This study investigates the indications for first- and second-line total wrist arthrodesis, focusing on conversion delays following prior wrist surgeries and analyzing complications based on the underlying etiology. We reviewed 121 patients who underwent total wrist arthrodesis over a nine-year period. First-line total arthrodesis was predominantly performed for inflammatory rheumatic conditions or spasticity, while 53% of second-line total arthrodesis were conducted for post-traumatic conditions. The procedures most frequently converted included four-corner arthrodesis (28%), proximal row carpectomy (22%), and radioscapholunate arthrodesis (20%), with mean conversion delays of 3 years, 5 years, and 1.8 years, respectively. Four-corner arthrodesis was the most commonly converted procedure, while radioscapholunate arthrodesis showed the shortest conversion time, primarily due to pseudarthrosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.