title: Experience of total wrist arthroplasty with silastic implants plus grommets.
abstract: The experience with radiocarpal joint reconstruction in rheumatoid arthritis using silastic implants and titanium grommets is reported. Forty-one implants were placed in 36 patients from 1986 to 1992, with a followup of 32 implants in 29 patients ranging from 2.5 years to 8 years. After a brief review of the crucial points of the procedure, including indications and surgical technique, the results were examined using a protocol derived from the one proposed in 1988 for an international multicenter study. The procedure, when correct indications are selected and correct surgical steps are performed, allows predictable results with a satisfying recovery of wrist function. Preservation of wrist function through the years seems enhanced by titanium grommets.
authors.affiliation: II A.S.L. del Savonese Ospedale S. Paolo, Centro regionale di Chirurgia della mano, Savona, Italy.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Rossello
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pizzorno
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014025:Titanium; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014025:Titanium