The wrist is a complex joint involving many small bones and complicated kinematics. It has, therefore, been traditionally difficult to image and ascertain information about kinematics when making a diagnosis. Although MRI and fluoroscopy have been used, they both have limitations. Recently, there has been interest in the use of 4D-CT in imaging the wrist. This review examines the literature regarding the use of 4D-CT in imaging the wrist to assess kinematics and its ability to diagnose pathology. Some questions remain about the description of normal ranges, the most appropriate method of measuring intercarpal stability, the accuracy compared with established standards, and the place of 4D-CT in postoperative assessment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1325–1330

Aims. Plate and screw fixation has been the standard treatment for painful conditions of the wrist in non-rheumatoid patients in recent decades. We investigated the complications, re-operations, and final outcome in a consecutive series of patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis for non-inflammatory arthritis. Patients and Methods. A total of 76 patients, including 53 men and 23 women, with a mean age of 50 years (21 to 79) underwent wrist arthrodesis. Complications and re-operations were recorded. At a mean follow-up of 11 years (2 to 18), 63 patients completed questionnaires, and 57 attended for clinical and radiological assessment. Results. Of the 76 patients, 46 (60.5%) had complications, resulting in 65 re-operations, mainly related to the plate and screws. In the 63 patients who completed the questionnaires, the mean Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 36 (0 to 91), the mean Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) score was 40 (0 to 96), and 14 patients (22%) reported no wrist pain. Grip strength, pinch strength, and pronation and supination were significantly reduced compared with the contralateral forearm. The outcome was worse in patients who had previously undergone surgery to the wrist, and those with complications. A total of 13 are awaiting further re-operations, giving a total re-operation rate of 63% (40/63). Conclusion. We observed complications and re-operations throughout the follow-up period and therefore consider wrist arthrodesis to be more complicated than previously assumed. Many of the patients never got used to or accepted their stiff wrists and reported a substantial reduction in function and residual pain. Motion-sparing surgery should be offered prior to wrist arthrodesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:852–859

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, and to report patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following treatment using this service. Methods. All adult patients who presented with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture that was not visible on radiographs at the time of presentation during a one-year period were eligible for inclusion in the pathway. Demographic details, findings on examination, and routine four-view radiographs at the time of presentation were collected. All radiographs were reviewed virtually by a single consultant hand surgeon, with patient-initiated follow-up on request. PROMs were assessed at a minimum of one year after presentation and included the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH), the EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and return to work. Results. A total of 221 patients were referred to the virtual pathway. Their mean age was 41 years (range 16 to 87) and there were 99 male patients (45%). A total of 189 patients (86%) were discharged with advice and 19 (9%) were recalled for clinical review: seven with an undisplaced scaphoid fracture, six with another fracture of the hand or wrist, two with a scapholunate ligament injury, and four in whom no abnormality was detected. A total of 13 patients (6%) initiated follow-up with the hand service: no fracture or ligament injury was identified in this group. PROMs were available for 179 patients (81%) at a mean follow-up of 19 months (range 13 to 33). The median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 15.9), the median EQ-5D-5L was 0.85 (IQR 0.73 to 1.00), the NPS was 76, and 173 patients (97%) were satisfied with their treatment. There were no documented cases of symptomatic nonunion one year following injury. Conclusion. We describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture. We found high levels of patient satisfaction, excellent PROMs, and no detrimental effects in the vast majority of cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):709–714

Arthritis of the wrist is a painful disabling condition that has various causes and presentations. The traditional treatment has been a total wrist fusion at a price of the elimination of movement. However, forms of treatment which allow the preservation of movement are now preferred. Modern arthroplasties of the wrist are still not sufficiently robust to meet the demands of many patients, nor do they restore normal kinematics of the wrist. A preferable compromise may be selective excision and partial fusion of the wrist using knowledge of the aetiology and pattern of degenerative change to identify which joints can be sacrificed and which can be preserved. . This article provides an overview of the treatment options available for patients with arthritis of the wrist and an algorithm for selecting an appropriate surgical strategy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1303–8

Wrist block has been used to provide pain relief for many procedures on the hand and wrist but its role in arthroscopy of the wrist remains unexplored. Chondrotoxicity has been a concern with the intra-articular infiltration of local anaesthetic. We aimed to evaluate and compare the analgesic effect of portal and wrist joint infiltration with a wrist block on the pain experienced by patients after arthroscopy of the wrist. A prospective, randomised, double-blind trial was designed and patients undergoing arthroscopy of the wrist under general anaesthesia as a day case were recruited for the study. Levo-bupivacaine was used for both techniques. The effects were evaluated using a ten-point visual analogue scale, and the use of analgesic agents was also compared. The primary outcomes for statistical analyses were the mean pain scores and the use of analgesia post-operatively. . A total of 34 patients (63% females) were recruited to the portal and joint infiltration group and 32 patients (59% males) to the wrist block group. Mean age was 40.8 years in the first group and 39.7 years in the second group (p > 0.05). Both techniques provided effective pain relief in the first hour and 24 hours post-operatively but wrist block gave better pain scores at bedtime on the day of surgery (p = 0.007) and at 24 hours post-operatively (p = 0.006). . Wrist block provides better and more reliable analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopy of the wrist without exposing patients to the risk of chondrotoxicity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1250–6

Aims. Chronic conditions of the wrist may be difficult to manage because pain and psychiatric conditions are correlated with abnormal function of the hand. Additionally, intra-articular inflammatory cytokines may cause pain. We aimed to validate the measurement of inflammatory cytokines in these conditions and identify features associated with symptoms. Patients and Methods. The study included 38 patients (18 men, 20 women, mean age 43 years) with a chronic condition of the wrist who underwent arthroscopy. Before surgery, the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hand20 questionnaire and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were used. Cytokine and chemokine levels in the synovial fluid of the wrist were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and correlations between the levels with pain were analysed. Gene expression profiles of the synovial membranes were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results. Older patients had high pre-operative Hand20 scores. One-year post-operative Hand20 and VAS scores and pre-operative VAS scores correlated with SDS scores. Post-operative VAS scores negatively correlated with the expression of nerve growth factor and SDS scores positively correlated with the expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and negatively correlated with the expression of tumour necrosis factor-converting enzyme. Conclusion. There was a positive correlation between depression and chronic conditions of the wrist. Levels of some cytokines correlate with pain and depression. Additionally, cytokines may be important in the assessment and treatment of chronic conditions of the wrist and depression. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:961–8

We retrospectively compared wrist arthrodesis using the Mannerfelt technique in 19 or an AO-plate in 23 patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up was for 76 months. Compared with the Mannerfelt fusion group, patients in the AO-plate group reported greater satisfaction with their wrist function (74% vs 37%, p = 0.015). Complications were reported in six wrists in the AO-plate group and two wrists in the Mannerfelt fusion group (p = 0.258). At final follow-up, 95% of patients (41) reported either no pain or only mild pain. There was improvement in flexion of the finger joints in both groups but no significant improvement in the extension lag in either group. Both methods relieve pain and improve function. Overall, the activities of daily living scores and the patients’ subjective assessment of outcome tended to be higher in the AO-plate group than in the Mannerfelt fusion group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, although more postoperative complications occurred in the AO-plate group, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant

The purposes of this study were to define the range of laxity of the interosseous ligaments in cadaveric wrists and to determine whether this correlated with age, the morphology of the lunate, the scapholunate (SL) gap or the SL angle. We evaluated 83 fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists and recorded the SL gap and SL angle. Standard arthroscopy of the wrist was then performed and the grades of laxity of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) and the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) and the morphology of the lunate were recorded. Arthroscopic evaluation of the SLIL revealed four (5%) grade I specimens, 28 (34%) grade II, 40 (48%) grade III and 11 (13%) grade IV. Evaluation of the LTIL showed 17 (20%) grade I specimens, 40 (48%) grade II, 28 (30%) grade III and one (1%) grade IV. On both bivariate and multivariate analysis, the grade of both the SLIL and LTIL increased with age, but decreased with female gender. The grades of SLIL or LTIL did not correlate with the morphology of the lunate, the SL gap or the SL angle. The physiological range of laxity at the SL and lunotriquetral joints is wider than originally described. The intercarpal ligaments demonstrate an age-related progression of laxity of the SL and lunotriquetral joints. There is no correlation between the grades of laxity of the SLIL or LTIL and the morphology of the lunate, the SL gap or the SL grade. Based on our results, we believe that the Geissler classification has a role in describing intercarpal laxity, but if used alone it cannot adequately diagnose pathological instability. We suggest a modified classification with a mechanism that may distinguish physiological laxity from pathological instability

Aims. The aims of this study were to compare the mid-term outcomes of patients with late-stage arthritis of the wrist treated with proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and dorsal capsular interposition (DCI) arthroplasty with a matched cohort treated with routine PRC alone. Patients and Methods. A total of 25 arthritic wrists (24 patients) with pre-existing degenerative changes of the proximal capitate and/or the lunate fossa of the radius were treated with PRC + DCI over a ten-year period. This group of patients were matched 1:2 with a group of 50 wrists (48 patients) without degenerative changes in the capitate or lunate fossa that were treated with a routine PRC alone during the same period. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 56.8 years (25 to 81), and the demographics and baseline range of movement of the wrist, grip strength, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score were similar in both groups. . Results. At a mean follow-up of 5.9 years (1.8 to 11.8), significant improvements in mean grip strength, the flexion-extension arc of movement of the wrist, QuickDASH, and PRWE scores were seen in both groups. There was no diifference between the groups for any of the outcomes. One patient in the PRC + DCI group required additional surgery for a deep infection, while two in the PRC group had complications (one wound dehiscence requiring revision closure, one transient radial sensory neuritis). One patient in each group required total arthrodesis of the wrist for progressive degenerative radiocarpal changes. A total of 70 patients (93%) were satisfied with the outcomes. Conclusion. PRC with DCI is an effective form of treatment for late-stage arthritis of the wrist involving the capitolunate joint, with mid-term outcomes that are similar to those in patients without degenerative changes affecting the capitate or lunate fossa who are treated with a routine PRC alone. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:197–204

The Motec cementless modular metal-on-metal ball-and-socket wrist arthroplasty was implanted in 16 wrists with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC; grades 3 or 4) and 14 wrists with scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) in 30 patients (20 men) with severe (grades 3 or 4) post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the wrist. The mean age of the patients was 52 years (31 to 71). All prostheses integrated well radiologically. At a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (1.1 to 6.1) no luxation or implant breakage occurred. Two wrists were converted to an arthrodesis for persistent pain. Loosening occurred in one further wrist at five years post-operatively. The remainder demonstrated close bone–implant contact. The clinical results were good, with markedly decreased Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and pain scores, and increased movement and grip strength. No patient used analgesics and most had returned to work. Good short-term function was achieved using this wrist arthroplasty in a high-demand group of patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Disorders of the pisotriquetral joint are well recognised as the cause of pain on the ulnar side of the wrist. The joint is not usually examined during routine arthroscopy because it is assumed to have a separate joint cavity to the radiocarpal joint, although there is often a connection between the two. We explored this connection during arthroscopy and in fresh-frozen cadaver wrists and found that in about half of the cases the pisotriquetral joint could be visualised through standard wrist portals. Four different types of connection were observed between the radiocarpal joint and the pisotriquetral joint. They ranged from a complete membrane separating the two, to no membrane at all, with various other types of connection in between. We recommend that inspection of the pisotriquetral joint should be a part of the protocol for routine arthroscopy of the wrist

We have measured the three-dimensional patterns of carpal deformity in 20 wrists in 20 rheumatoid patients in which the carpal bones were shifted ulnarwards on plain radiography. Three-dimensional bone models of the carpus and radius were created by computerised tomography with the wrist in the neutral position. The location of the centroids and rotational angle of each carpal bone relative to the radius were calculated and compared with those of ten normal wrists. In the radiocarpal joint, the proximal row was flexed and the centroids of all carpal bones translocated in an ulnar, proximal and volar direction with loss of congruity. In the midcarpal joint, the distal row was extended and congruity generally well preserved. These findings may facilitate more positive use of radiocarpal fusion alone for the deformed rheumatoid wrist

We investigated the clinical response to arthroscopic synovectomy in patients with undifferentiated chronic monoarthritis (UCMA) of the wrist. Arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on 20 wrists in 20 patients with UCMA of the wrist who had not responded to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The mean duration of symptoms at the time of surgery was 4.3 months (3 to 7) and the mean follow-up was 51.8 months (24 to 94). Inflamed synovium was completely removed from the radiocarpal, midcarpal and distal radioulnar joints using more portals than normal. After surgery, nine patients had early remission of synovitis and 11 with uncontrolled synovitis received antirheumatic medication. Overall, there was significant improvement in terms of pain relief, range of movement and Mayo score. Radiological deterioration was seen in five patients who were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis during the follow-up period. Lymphoid follicles and severe lymphocyte infiltration were seen more often in synovial biopsies from patients with uncontrolled synovitis. These results suggest that arthroscopic synovectomy provides pain relief and functional improvement, and allows rapid resolution of synovitis in about half of patients with UCMA of the wrist

Advanced osteoarthritis of the wrist or the distal articulation of the lunate with the capitate has traditionally been treated surgically by arthrodesis. In order to maintain movement, we performed proximal row carpectomy with capsular interposition arthroplasty as an alternative to arthrodesis in eight patients with advanced arthritis and retrospectively reviewed their clinical and radiographic outcomes after a mean follow-up of 41 months (13 to 53). The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain at its worst and at rest, and the patient-rated wrist evaluation score improved significantly after surgery, whereas ranges of movement and grip strength were maintained at the pre-operative levels. Progression of arthritis in the radiocapitate joint was observed in three patients, but their outcomes were not significantly different from those without progression of arthritis. Proximal row carpectomy with capsular interposition arthroplasty is a reasonable option for the treatment of patients with advanced arthritis of the wrist

1. A simple and effective method of wrist arthrodesis is described. Originally designed for the correction of flexion deformity of the wrist, it is useful also as a routine method of wrist fusion. 2. The results in nineteen cases are reviewed

Three palmar wrist ligaments from fresh human cadavers were dissected from the proximal to the distal insertions and stained to identify the mechanoreceptors. Golgi organs, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings and free nerve endings were present in all three ligaments. In the radial collateral and radiolunate ligaments they were found in increased density towards the proximal and distal insertions. A more uniform distribution was found in the radioscaphocapitate ligament which has attachments to three bones. The palmar wrist ligaments may have a significant sensory role in maintaining the stability of the wrist and in controlling its movement. Although technically difficult, the surgical repair of traumatic wrist defects should attempt to preserve the innervation of the ligaments, shown to be mainly near bony attachments. This may allow improvement in postoperative outcomes by preserving some proprioception. In some painful post-traumatic or degenerative conditions, however, denervation may be advantageous

We have implanted 76 biaxial total wrist prostheses as a primary procedure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist. A total of 66 was reviewed at a mean follow-up time of 52 months. Pain was relieved in 67% of the surviving wrist replacements. On the basis of the Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system, 49 wrists (74%) were graded as fair to excellent. More than half of the 27 patients who had an arthrodesis on the contralateral wrist would have preferred a second arthroplasty. Five replacements were revised or fused because of loosening and a further nine showed signs of radiological loosening, three of which were asymptomatic. The probability of survival of the biaxial total wrist replacement at eight years was 83% with revision surgery as the terminal event, 78% with radiological loosening as the endpoint and 82% with dorsal migration and displacement from the metacarpal as the terminal event. There was a linear relationship between subsidence of the component and distal loosening. There was no evidence that the length of the stem of the carpal component, within the third metacarpal, affected any of the terminal events. The position and alignment of the carpal component within the bone at the time of surgery significantly affect the outcome and can be used to predict failure

A study has been made of fifty-six patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in whom sixty-nine wrists were fused. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate to what extent the position of the fused wrist influenced the position of the fingers in the frontal plane. All sixty-nine wrists were followed up by radiographic examination controls, and thirty-seven of the wrists were also examined clinically. The mean period of observation after operation was seven years and ten months. The findings support the so-called "zigzag" theory based on the concept of carpus-metacarpus acting as Landsmeer's intercalated bone in a bi-articular system. When the wrists were fused in more than 5 degrees of radial deviation seventeen of twenty hands showed ulnar drift of the fingers on radiographic examination. Of the nine patients in this group examined clinically, all showed ulnar drift. A strong tendency to correction of the finger position is seen when the hands are pressed against the cassette. For this reason the clinical examination, during which the finger deviation was examined with the metacarpo-phalangeal joints in 30 degrees of flexion regularly revealed an ulnar deviation of 5 degrees more than that shown by radiographic examination. In eighteen wrists the fusion had been done in more than 5 degrees of ulnar deviation. Fourteen of these hands showed a resulting radial deviation of the fingers on radiographic examination. In a group of thirty-one wrists fused in neutral position (0 degrees±5 degrees) only six hands showed more than 5 degrees of finger deviation to either side. The condition of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints asjudged from radiographs did not seem to influence the deviation of the fingers either in direction or in degree. The direction of the deviation of the fingers was almost regularly the opposite to that of the fused wrist. Five hands showing no visible pathological changes in the metacarpo-phalangeal joints displayed finger drift

Simple decompression of the extensor tendons at the wrist was carried out on fifty-four wrists in a total of forty-one patients with rheumatoid disease. This procedure was combined with excision of the ulnar head in forty-five wrists. Complete resolution of the synovitis occurred in 81.5 per cent of the wrists. In two patients the tendons ruptured soon after operation and in both cases this was due to prolapse of the ulnar stump after an associated Darrach procedure. The clinical results of decompression compare favourably with those of the widely accepted operation of dorsal tenosynovectomy

We describe a technique for arthroscopy of the wrist which is carried out without traction and with the arm lying horizontally on the operating table. The wrist is not immobilised, which makes it possible to assess the extent of instability after a ligamentous tear. In a prospective study of 30 patients we compared this technique with conventional wrist arthroscopy, performing the new method first followed by conventional arthroscopy. The advantages are that the horizontal position of the arm allows the surgeon to proceed directly from arthroscopic diagnosis to treatment, and that no change of position is required for fluoroscopy. In terms of diagnostic sensitivity, we found our technique matched that of conventional arthroscopy. We had no difficulty in carrying out minor surgical procedures such as debridement and suturing

We enrolled 34 normal volunteers to test the hypothesis that there were two types of movement of the wrist. On lateral radiographs two distinct patterns of movement emerged. Some volunteers showed extensive rotation of the lunate with a mean range of dorsiflexion of 65°, while others had a mean range of 50°. The extensive rotators were associated with a greater excursion of the centre of articulation of the wrist. It is suggested that dynamic external fixation of a fracture of the distal radius carries with it the risk of stretching the ligaments or causing volar displacement at the site of the fracture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment results following arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement for recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain. According to the treatment algorithm, 66 patients (36 men and 30 women with a mean age of 38.1 years (15 to 67)) with recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain were allocated to undergo ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO; n = 24), arthroscopic TFCC repair (n = 15), arthroscopic TFCC debridement (n = 14) or prolonged conservative treatment (n = 13). The mean follow-up was 36.0 months (15 to 54). Significant differences in Hand20 score at 18 months were evident between the USO group and TFCC debridement group (p = 0.003), and between the TFCC repair group and TFCC debridement group (p = 0.029). Within-group comparisons showed that Hand20 score at five months or later and pain score at two months or later were significantly decreased in the USO/TFCC repair groups. In contrast, scores in the TFCC debridement/conservative groups did not decrease significantly. Grip strength at 18 months was significantly improved in the USO/TFCC repair groups, but not in the TFCC debridement/conservative groups. TFCC debridement shows little benefit on the clinical course of recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain even after excluding patients with ulnocarpal abutment or TFCC detachment from the fovea from the indications for arthroscopic TFCC debridement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1687–96

In a prospective study, 204 consecutive patients with displaced Colles' fractures had closed reduction then plaster immobilisation. Three different positions of the wrist in plaster were randomly allocated: palmar flexion, neutral and dorsiflexion. The results in the three groups were compared. Fractures immobilised with the wrist in dorsiflexion showed the lowest incidence of redisplacement, especially of dorsal tilt, and had the best early functional results. Immobilisation of the wrist in palmar flexion has a detrimental effect on hand function; it is suggested that it is also one of the main causes for redisplacement of the fracture. This is discussed in relation to the functional anatomy of the wrist and the mechanics of plaster fixation

Although the outcome of fractures of the distal radius is traditionally assessed using objective clinical variables such as grip strength and range of movement of the wrist, the extent to which they reflect function and outcomes of importance for the patient is uncertain. This may cause considerable inconsistencies in the assessment of outcome using current scoring systems. We prospectively studied 31 patients recovering from unstable fractures of the distal radius in order to investigate the association between objective variables and the level of post-traumatic disability of the wrist as measured by the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score. Multiple regression showed considerable differences in the extent to which limitations in specific objective clinical variables reflected the level of disability of the wrist. Grip strength was shown to be a significant predictor of the PRWE score (regression coefficient −1.09, 95% confidence interval −1.76 to −0.42, p < 0.01) and thus appears to be a sensitive indicator of return of function of the wrist. Forearm rotation and flexion and extension of the wrist were not significantly associated with the PRWE score. These observations should be taken into account during the evaluation of methods of treatment and in constructing future clinical outcome scoring systems

Twenty-six index patients with primary Madelung's deformity of the wrist were examined, as were sixty-five of their relatives. Standard radiographs were taken and measured to determine whether mesomelic dwarfism, a feature of dyschondrosteosis, was present. No case of mesomelia was found. No evidence of Madelung's deformity was found in the relatives of the index patients, who were all female. It is concluded that primary Madelung's deformity of the wrist is not an expressions of dyschondrosteosis, that it is not inherited, and that it does not occur in the male. One index patient with dyschondrosteosis was examined. Eight of her relatives were similarly affected, and three of these were male. It is suggested that previously recorded male cases of Madelung's deformity of the wrist were expressions of dyschondrosteosis or of secondary deformity

Arthrodesis of the wrist is a standard operation which is indicated for severe rheumatoid arthritis in which destruction is too advanced for more conservative procedures, or after failure of previous surgery. We have developed an L-shaped plate designed for this purpose. It provides rigid internal fixation with the wrist in the neutral position and utilises bone grafts obtained from the distal ulna and the carpal bones. We have carried out 29 successful fusions between 1992 and 1995. In all 29 patients synovectomy and resection of the head of the ulna were performed; 11 also had reconstruction of ruptured extensor tendons. All the patients obtained bony union, pain relief and improved function

We performed a neurological and radiological study of the wrists of 58 patients with Hansen’s disease and 60 age-matched healthy control subjects. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between the groups in the carpal glenoid sector, the radial physeal widening index, the carpal ulnar distance, the carpal index and in distal radio-ulnar discrepancy. Comparison of the results in three subgroups of leprous patients with sensory impairment (group A-1), motor deficit (A-2) and no neurological impairment (A-3), showed significant differences (p < 0.01) between group A-1 and the other two. This suggests that in these patients the changes in the carpus and radiocarpal joint may be caused by neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist. Our findings are of particular interest since there are few reports of neuropathic arthropathy in non-weight-bearing joints

We performed 45 wrist arthrodeses in 43 patients by a modification of the AO technique using the dynamic compression plate. Radiological follow-up was obtained in 41 wrists; all had united at a mean of ten weeks. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 32 wrists. Subjectively, the surgical outcome was satisfactory in 26, marginally satisfactory in two and unsatisfactory in four. This method is safe and reliable. The plate can be contoured to allow a variety of positions of fusion, and gives rigid immobilisation. The rate of union is higher than that for other techniques

1 . A specific mechanism of injury can produce a tear of the articular disc of the wrist without any associated bony lesion. 2. Torn discs have been found associated with Colles's fractures and with dislocation of the inferior radio-ulnar joint. 3. The injury gives rise to clear-cut symptoms and definite physical signs. 4. Operation in fourteen cases has shown five types of tear of the disc. 5. Arthrographs of the wrist are helpful in establishing the diagnosis. 6. In isolated tears removal ofthe disc relieves the symptoms and does not prejudice function. 7. If there is other joint injury, removal of the disc cannot be expected to give as satisfactory a result

We analysed the results of arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in 18 patients (19 wrists) with rheumatoid arthritis who had not responded to conservative treatment. The patients’ symptoms were assessed using visual analogue scales for pain and satisfaction. Standard posteroanterior radiographs which were taken pre-operatively and at final follow-up were analysed using a modified Larsen scoring system (normal, 0; total destruction, 40). The mean follow-up period was 29.2 months (24 to 45). The mean pre-operative pain score was 8.58 which decreased to 3.58 one year after surgery and increased again to 4.42 at final follow-up. This suggested a gradual increase in pain with time. The mean satisfaction score was 6.26. The mean modified Larsen’s score was 9.8 pre-operatively and 13.9 at final follow-up, which demonstrated the slow progression of degenerative changes. Arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist allows effective pain relief and high patient satisfaction, although any prolonged benefits will require long-term follow-up

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the origin and development of the threshold for surgical intervention, highlight the consequences of residual displacement, and justify the importance of accurate measurement.

We have examined whether the rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid which is seen in patients with advanced Kienböck’s disease is associated with scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist. We studied 16 patients (11 men, 5 women) who had stage-IV Kienböck’s disease with chronic subluxation of the scaphoid. All had received conservative treatment. The mean period of affection with Kienböck’s disease was 30 years (14 to 49). No wrist had SLAC. In eight patients, 24 years or more after the onset of the disease, the articular surface of the radius had been remodelled by the subluxed scaphoid with maintenance of the joint space. The wrists of six patients were considered to be excellent, nine good, and one fair according to the clinical criteria of Dornan. Our findings have shown that rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid in Kienböck’s disease is not a cause of SLAC wrist and therefore that scaphotrapezio-trapezoid arthrodesis is not required for the management of these patients

We used the Ilizarov method in seven patients with severe congenital radial club hands who had had previous wrist surgery, to correct residual shortening and bowing of the ulna together with recurrent wrist deformity. The mean age at operation was 6.5 years. The mean ulnar shortening was 5.3 cm and the mean angular deformity 42°. The mean length gained was 51% of the original ulna. The mean healing index was 46.9 days (29.8 to 64.0). The ratio of the length of the lengthened ulna to the normal side improved on average from 64% to 95%. The angular deformity was initially completely corrected in six out of seven patients. The length ratio, however, decreased to 83% at the final follow-up. In four patients, the angular deformity partially recurred. We recommend correction of congenital radial club hand by staged procedures. The first is centralisation and stabilisation of the wrist and the second lengthening of the ulna and correction of the angular deformity using the Ilizarov method

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

1. Pain at the front of the radial side of the wrist may be caused by various lesions of the tendon and sheath of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. 2. The diagnosis may be established by testing resisted movement at the wrist and by the effect of injecting local anaesthetic into the tendon sheath. 3. In women over the age of fifty the lesion is associated with osteoarthritis of the joint between the scaphoid and the trapezium. 4. Osteoarthritis of the joint between the scaphoid and the trapezium is found in about 25 per cent of women over the age of fifty. 5. If the pain is not relieved by simple conservative measures it can usually be cured by incision of the tendon sheath. 6. The histological changes in the tendon sheath are similar to those found in tenovaginitis of the abductor pollicis longus and tibialis posterior tendons

1. A medial approach is preferred for arthrodesis of the wrist in reconstructive surgery because there is no interference with the extensor tendons. 2. The value of pre-operative assessment by a trial period in plaster is mentioned. 3. The technique of operation is described. 4. In the absence of active pronation, screwing the ulna to the radius in 45 degrees of pronation is advised. 5. The necessity for securing haemostasis before closing the wound is emphasised. 6. Thirty-four cases are reviewed. The shortest follow-up was one year and the longest twelve years. The result was satisfactory in all cases. Most patients were discharged from hospital after the plaster had been changed two weeks after operation. Union occurred in about sixteen weeks

1. A case of ulnar nerve compression at the wrist caused by rheumatoid arthritis producing motor and sensory changes is presented. 2. The diagnosis from compression at the elbow can be determined by electromyography. 3. It may be that lesions of the deep branch leading to motor changes only occur in rheumatoid arthritis more often than is suspected, their effects being hidden by the concomitant disease and its associated muscle wasting

A case of unusually extensive pigmented villonodular synovitis of the wrist with involvement of bone, particularly of the distal end of the radius, is reported. The clinical and radiographic evidence suggested a diagnosis of primary bone tumour, possibly a giant-cell tumour with sarcomatous transformation

Osteoarthritis of the wrist is a complication of a number of common traumatic conditions. Arthrodesis of the radiocarpal joint, proximal row carpectomy and excision of the scaphoid, combined with midcarpal arthrodesis, have all been reported as surgical options. There have been no randomised studies comparing these procedures, and the feasibility of conducting this type of trial is limited. We used decision analysis to compare the three surgical techniques. The variables for the model used were based principally on data from the literature. Extensive sensitivity analyses were carried out to test the impact of the values given to these variables on the outcome of the model. The model indicated that the preferred treatment is proximal row carpectomy. Decision analysis allows a comparison between alternative treatments, when evidence from a randomised trial is lacking or unobtainable. The decision-analysis model may also provide insight into aspects of a problem which would be difficult, or impossible, to evaluate by a cohort study

Two girls with congenital postural deformity of the wrist associated with deformity of the feet are reported. Fetal position in utero is discussed as a likely cause, and treatment by simple manipulation is recommended

Traumatic tenosynovitis of the wrist extensors is a common and disabling condition associated with overuse. It has been found to be associated with hypertrophy of the bellies of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis where they overlie the radial extensor tendons in the forearm, compressing these tendons and their enveloping paratenons against the deep structures beneath. Simple surgical decompression of the sheath of these overlying muscles has been found to give quick relief of symptoms and to allow a more rapid return to strenuous work than the conservative treatments usually employed

A consecutive series of 100 cases of wrist injury, other than those referred with a radial fracture, have been reviewed to determine the incidence of acute scapholunate instability; a "clenched fist" radiograph was used in addition to the routine scaphoid views. Of 19 patients with an increase in the scapholunate gap, five were eventually considered to have significant scapholunate instability, two in association with Colles' fractures. Injuries producing significant ligamentous damage and carpal instability may be as common as scaphoid fractures. They require special consideration in diagnosis and management

Darrach's procedure was performed for post-traumatic symptoms in the inferior radio-ulnar joint in 36 patients, who were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 6 years. Only 18 of the patients had a satisfactory clinical result. Poor outcome was associated with osteoarthritis of the wrist, the occurrence of algodystrophy and a short ulnar remnant

Debate continues about the origin of Dupuytren’s disease, which is usually in the palm but is seen elsewhere as ectopic lesions. We describe a young patient with Dupuytren’s disease extending proximal to the wrist crease in continuity with the palmar lesion. Our findings support the view that the condition starts within the palmar connective tissue, but there is no palmar aponeurosis in the forearm and the proximal extension probably started in the deep layer of the superficial fascia