Die Totalarthrodese des Handgelenkes: Lebensqualitätsverbesserung durch Bewegungsverlust

PURPOSE: Is it possible to improve quality of life and reduce pain of patients with posttraumatic wrist degeneration through total wrist arthrodesis? METHODS: Of 57 performed wrist arthrodesis 36 follow up examinations could be done. The follow up evaluation included a general questionnaire, the DASH-Score (Disability of Arm and Shoulder), physical examination and radiological imaging. RESULTS: After 29 months (14-79) 15 patients (44%) were highly or well satisfied with the outcome, 14 patients (41%) were satisfied and six (18%) patients were little or not satisfied. The postoperative DASH-score was 48.9 points. X-rays of all wrist arthrodesis showed a sufficient bone healing and no sign of loosening. CONCLUSION: Improvement in quality of life, autonomy of patients and pain reduction could be achieved through total wrist arthrodesis despite loss of motion.