A Minimum 5-Year Longitudinal Study of a New Total Wrist Arthroplasty in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose To evaluate the longitudinal clinical outcomes using a new semiconstrained wrist prosthesis for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist. Methods Twenty patients with rheumatoid arthritis (20 wrists) underwent total wrist arthroplasty with the prosthesis in a clinical trial. The preoperative Larsen classification was grade IV in 16 wrists and grade V in 4 wrists. Assessments were performed before surgery, 1.5 years after surgery, and at final follow-up (≥ 5 years after surgery) using the visual analog scale for pain, Figgie wrist score, Japanese version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and plain radiographs. Results At final follow-up, no patient had wrist pain. The preoperative flexion-extension arc at final follow-up was similar to the preoperative range. The mean 1.5-year postoperative Figgie score was significantly improved and was unchanged at final follow-up. The DASH score significantly improved from before surgery to 1.5 years after surgery; the DASH score was improved further at final follow-up, but not significantly. Five of the 19 wrists evaluated had radiographic findings indicating carpal component loosening at final follow-up; however, all patients with the loosening were asymptomatic and had not undergone revision surgery. Conclusions Total wrist arthroplasty using this wrist prosthesis leads to favorable clinical outcomes regarding pain relief and retained range of wrist motion. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.