Joint Replacement for Severe Wrist Arthritis

Patient with severe arthritis such as this patient with rheumatoid arthritis have wrist pain and limited motion with destruction of the joint (Figure 1) . Sometimes steroid injections and braces can provide long term relief. When these are not effective, surgery can be necessary. To relieve wrist pain a fusion has been recommended where the wrist is fixed with a plate to make it solid thus removing motion but providing pain relief. Another option is wrist replacement to allow joint motion while still providing pain relief. (Figure 2- a clinical picture of the implanted joint) (Figure 3- X-ray of the replacement).