To Örebro University

Purpose: Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is an established surgical treatment for wrist arthritis. The aim of the investigation is to report patient-perceived outcome measures after TWA operated at a single referral center in Sweden.

Methods: In a cohort study with prospective collection of data, we evaluated 193 consecutive patients with a TWA (223 wrists) preoperatively, 1 and 5 years postoperatively. The wrists were implanted between 2002 and 2014. Outcome measures studied were range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, hand grip strength, and patient-related outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included implant survivorship, which was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and radiographic loosening 5 years postoperatively.

Results: VAS pain scores and patient-related outcome measures improved significantly for all TWAs. Improved hand grip strength was noted for all TWAs except Universal 2. ROM improved somewhat, especially for the Biax and Maestro TWAs. Cumulative implant survival after 5 years was 99% for Remotion, 95% for Maestro, and 84% for Biax. Radiographic loosening was present in 26% of the Biax cases, 18% of the Remotion cases, and 2% of the Maestro cases.

Conclusions: All TWA designs in this study offer a high level of patient satisfaction. The design of the implant may affect patient-perceived outcome 5 years postoperatively. Good mid to long-term results can be achieved in patients undergoing TWA.