Arthroplasty Around the Wrist, An Issue of Hand Clinics

Wrist arthroplasty, or wrist joint replacement, is less common than other joint replacements, but its an option when arthritis, infection or other injuries of the wrist dont respond to treatment. The primary reasons for wrist arthroplasty are to relieve pain and to maintain function of the wrist. Wrist arthroplasty is an outpatient procedure. Casting and splinting follow surgery as well as exercising gradually. Typically 50% of motion is restored after wrist arthroplasty and the new joint lasts about 10-15 years. Arthroplasty Around the Wrist,” by Marwan Wehbe, MD, will cover many of the procedures involved with wrist replacement and some techniques that dont require implants. One article, Thumb CMC Arthroplasty without Implants, from Anchovy to LRTI” reviews all methods to correct thumb arthritis, (anchovy is actually a rolled tendon that looks like an anchovy). Another article details a new way to fix thumb arthritis without any implants.