Medium term outcomes of the Universal 2 total wrist arthroplasty in patients with degenerative or posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the wrist.

This retrospective study reports medium term outcomes of 14 total wrist arthroplasties in patients with especially, non-rheumatoid, degenerative osteo- arthritis and post-traumatic osteoarthritis with a mean follow up of 5 to 10 years. Information of fourteen patients, 6 men and 8 women with a mean age of 61 years, was collected before and after total wrist arthroplasty (Universal 2 prosthesis, Integra) carried out by a single surgeon. Pre-operative mobility was determined by range of motion and compared to post- operative range of motion. Post-operative function was determined using the DASH (The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) score and the PRWE (patient-rated wrist evaluation and grip strength) score. Grip force between the operated and non- operated hand were compared postoperatively. Three patients experienced complications. Range of motion improved post-operatively, although not significantly, due to an increase in palmar flexion. The mean DASH score was 20% and the mean total PRWE was 54%. This study shows that total wrist arthroplasty, using the Universal 2 wrist prosthesis, gives reasonable results (survival rate 84%) by decreasing pain while preserving range of motion in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist after 5 years. However the 10-year survival rate decreases steeply to an unsatisfying 35%.