High rate of complications and radiographic loosening of the biaxial total wrist arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

Authors

  • Djoeke van Harlingen
  • Petra JC Heesterbeek
  • MaartenJde Vos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2011.636669

Abstract

Background and purpose The third generation of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) was designed to solve the early loosening problem, but there have been few long-term follow-ups. We present the outcome of the biaxial total wrist prosthesis (no longer available) after 5–8 years of follow-up.Patients and methods 40 biaxial wrist prostheses were implanted uncemented in 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 32 wrists were followed clinically and radiographically. 7 prostheses had been revised at median 21 (8–71) months; 1 patient died from an unrelated cause. Mean follow-up of the remaining 32 wrists was 6 (5–8) years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed with revision defined as failure.Results Survival after 7 years was 81% (95% CI: 64–91). There were 31 complications. 22 wrists showed radiographic loosening. Range of motion improved, except for pronation. The mean DASH score improved and the median postoperative pain score (from 0 to 10) was 0 (0–6) at rest and 0 (0–7) during activity.Interpretation One quarter of the prostheses had been revised and radiographic loosening had occurred in two thirds of the cases. Radiographic and clinical follow-up is therefore necessary for patients with this implant.

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Published

2011-12-01

How to Cite

Harlingen, D. van, Heesterbeek, P. J., & Vos, M. (2011). High rate of complications and radiographic loosening of the biaxial total wrist arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis. Acta Orthopaedica, 82(6), 721–726. https://doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2011.636669