Abstract
Introduction and Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a specifically designed titanium wrist fusion plate for use in wrist arthrodesis. The possibility of no or minimal casting post-operatively was considered and an early return to function was another proposed benefit.
Method: Ten consecutive patients with pathology requiring wrist arthrodeses were subjected to wrist fusion by means of a titanium wrist fusion plate. In all 10 cases, a similar technique was used securing the plate to the third metacarpal and the radius. In all cases, autologous bone graft was harvested from the patient’s iliac crest. Time to union, time of immobilisation and overall functional results were looked at. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was also documented.
Results: In all 10 patients, solid radiological union was documented between eight and 12 weeks. The pre-contoured plates produce a satisfactory and consistent position of fusion when correctly applied. Six of the 10 patients were managed with a light cast for six weeks post-operatively. The other four patients were treated with no immobilisation at all. There was no failure of fixation in this small series. One patient with a pre-existing transverse scar on the dorsum of the wrist, a small area of skin necrosis occurred. This healed by secondary intention over a four-week period.
Conclusion: The titanium arthrodesis plate provides a reliable good method for wrist fusion. Although the longitudinal scar is longer than necessary in some other techniques described, and the carpometacarpal joint is included in the fusion, the overall level of patient satisfaction is high.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
