Effects of partial wrist arthrodesis on loading at the radiocarpal joints

The radiocarpal joint plays an important role in the stabilization of the wrist joint. Degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can destabilize the joint and compromise the kinematics of the carpal bones. Partial wrist arthrodesis in the rheumatoid wrist has been popular since its introduction in 1983 [1]. The procedure prevents ulnar drift of the carpus and prevents progression to a subluxed state as well as providing pain relief for the patient. The biomechanical consequences of arthrodesis at the radiocarpal joint have not been extensively explored. This study looks at the biomechanical changes on the load transfer through the radiocarpal joint after partial wrist fusion.