[Prosthesis of the upper extremity].

In functional impairment of a joint due to pain and (or) limited mobility in which conservative measures are inadequate, an operation may be considered. The principal possibilities are arthrodesis and implantation of an artificial joint. Reasons to opt for a prosthesis are involvement of adjacent articulations (in rheumatoid arthritis) and preservation of mobility which, together with stability, is necessary for good articular function. The principal indications for implantation of an artificial joint in the upper extremity are rheumatoid arthritis and (to a lesser degree) osteoarthritis and posttraumatic impairments. The functional results of prostheses in the shoulder, elbow and wrist are good, but the proportion of complications is relatively large (compared with that in hip and knee prostheses) and follow-up so far has only been short.