S43 RADIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF THE RHEUMATOID WRIST AFTER RADIO-LUNATE ARTHRODESIS – A 25 YEAR OLD STORY

Abstract

Twenty five years ago, the 1 st paper concerning radiolunate arthrodesis was published by us (Med Hyg 38 1980). Ten years ago a 5 year follow-up radiological evolution of 26 operated rheumatoid wrists by radiolunate arthrodesis compaired with 20 non operated wrists was reported (JHS 20B 1995).

Six critera were retained for XR analysis :

• - Evolutive stage classification (Alnot)

• - Polyarthritis type classification (Simmen)

• - Frontal desaxation (Thirupathi)

• - Carpal collapse (Mc Murtry)

• - Ulnar translation (Chamay)

• - Carpal instability (Tubiana)

Our results showed that although radiolunate arthrodesis induced a lasting functional improvement, correction of the desaxation and collapse was only temporary.

Details of the radiological analysis will be presented and compaired with the litterature data.