title: Arthrodesis of flail or partially flail wrists using a dynamic compression plate without bone grafting.
abstract: Between June 1991 and May 1996 we carried out arthrodesis on 15 patients with flail or partially flail wrists using an AO/ASIF dynamic compression plate (DCP) without a bone graft. The wrist was approached through the second extensor compartment. The minimum follow-up was for 24 months with a mean of 34.2 months. All 15 wrists fused without major complications at a mean of 11.9 weeks. Stabilisation improved the function of the hand affected with paralysis and the appearance of the extensively paralysed upper limb with a flail hand. In the absence of bony abnormality fusion can be obtained with a DCP alone without the need for bone grafting.
authors.affiliation: Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, India.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001860:Bone Plates; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*