Wrist arthrodeses with wrist fusion plate in 21 cases: Biocompatibility and function evaluation / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

Twenty-five patients with traumatic carpitis treated by wrist fusion plate internal fixation in Department of Orthopedics, Commercial Staff Hospital of Wuhan from July 2000 to July 2007 were selected, of which 21 were followed up for more than 6 months. Twelve cases had slight dorsal extension dysfunction of thumb, forefinger and middle finger; 10 had slight initiative dorsal extension dysfunction of thumb interphalangeal articulation; 4 had forearm rotation dysfunction, such as distal radioulnar joint or ulnaris pain. Of 21 followed-up patients, 12 cases had no pain, 5 had bearable wrist pain after intensive physical labor, and 4 had pain in daily life of forearm rotation, which affected their working. Grip strength of 15 cases restored to 75% of the operate side, 5 cases to 50%-75%, and 1 case to 50%. The results suggest that plate implantation relieve joint pain, but partial wrist function is limited. The plate materials are biocompatible to human body with no specific adverse effects.