title: Health status after total wrist arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Total wrist arthrodesis is regarded as the most predictable way to relieve the pain of posttraumatic wrist arthritis. Wrist arthrodesis also is believed to be compatible with a high level of upper-extremity function. This study evaluated the effect of total wrist arthrodesis on both general and upper-extremity-specific health status in patients treated for posttraumatic wrist arthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  By using an institutional review board-approved protocol 22 patients were evaluated an average of 6 years after total wrist arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis. Upper-extremity-specific and general health status were measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) instruments, respectively. Patient satisfaction and interest in pursuing a wrist-mobilizing procedure should one become available also were assessed. Objective assessment included grip strength, digit range of motion, and radiographic fusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Grip strength averaged 79% of the uninvolved wrist. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 25. The average physical component score of the Short-Form 36 was 39 and the average mental component score was 52. Fourteen patients complained of wrist pain, including severe pain in 4 patients. Fifteen patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result of the fusion, 5 patients were neutral, and 2 patients were mildly dissatisfied. Twenty patients would elect to have a procedure that could make their wrist move again if one were available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Substantial dysfunction was noted on both upper-extremity-specific and general health status measures after total wrist arthrodesis for posttraumatic conditions. Pain was improved but not eliminated.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Adey
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ring
authors.forename: Jesse B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Jupiter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*