Arthrodesis of the wrist joint in rheumatoid arthritis

Fifty six fusions of the wrist joint were performed using a slight modification of the method described by Mannerfelt and Malmsten (1971). All but one of the patients had rheumatoid arthritis. The patients were reviewed one to eight years after the operation. Ankylosis in useful position was achieved in nearly 100 per cent of the cases. The operation is simple and does not require any special instruments, but x-ray facilities in the operating room are necessary. Normally there is no need for any kind of external immobilisation.