title: Trial pinning prior to wrist arthrodesis in children.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utility of trial wrist pinning as an assessment tool prior to wrist arthrodesis in the paediatric patient. Ten paediatric patients who were unable to decide if a wrist arthrodesis would be beneficial to them underwent a trial wrist pinning (using temporary K-wires) in neutral posture for an average of 28 days. The etiology of wrist pathology varied. The utility of the trial pining in decision-making was assessed through chart review and telephone conversation. All patients felt the trial pinning facilitated their decision. Two of the 10 patients declined wrist arthrodesis secondary to difficulty with daily activities. Eight patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis were satisfied with wrist position and function. Temporary wrist pinning is an effective informational tool for patients, families and physicians, allowing a true assessment of wrist function prior to definitive wrist arthrodesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. goldfarbc@msnotes.wustl.edu
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Goldfarb
authors.forename: A Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Manske
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000523:psychology; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*