ABSTRACT
Management of severe joint involvement in rheumatoid wrist is controversial. The gold-standard is total wrist fusion, but total wrist replacement offers a motion-conserving alternative. The purpose of this study was to present the results of interposition arthroplasty with the Amandys® pyrocarbon implant in rheumatoid wrist. We performed a retrospective review of 28 arthroplasties for rheumatoid wrist arthritis. Eighteen females and 5 males were included, with a mean age of 55.7 years. Mean follow-up was 64 months. We measured range of motion, grip strength, and pain (on VAS). Function was evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up with the DASH and PRWE scores. Mean range of motion in flexion-extension was maintained while mean inclination and rotational range of motion showed significant improvement. Mean grip strength increased from 10 kg to 17 kg. Mean pain score decreased from 6/10 to 2/10. Mean PRWE and QuickDASH scores decreased from 62/100 to 25/100 and from 62/100 to 36/100, respectively. Three patients underwent early reoperation to reposition a dislocated implant. No implants had to be removed. Amandys® pyrocarbon arthroplasty is a reliable alternative to total fusion or total replacement in rheumatoid wrist. Indications must be limited to well-aligned wrists with competent capsule-ligament structures.
