RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Total and partial arthrodesis of the wrist are currently sophisticated treatment options for many advanced pathological changes of the wrist. This retrospective study analyzed the subjective and objective outcome of different wrist arthrodesis techniques, e.g. total wrist arthrodesis, scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) bone fusion and midcarpal arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjective physical and mental quality of life of 98 patients (total wrist arthrodesis n = 43, STT fusion n = 30 and midcarpal arthrodesis n = 25) was measured using the DASH questionnaire. The range of motion and grip strength were analyzed in 48 patients (total wrist arthrodesis n = 21, STT fusion n = 17 and midcarpal arthrodesis n = 10). RESULTS: Patients with partial wrist arthrodesis achieved a significantly better DASH score than patients with total wrist arthrodesis. Grip strength did not show any statistically significant differences between the two groups. Patients with STT fusion showed the best range of motion of the wrist. CONCLUSION: Partial arthrodesis seems to be superior to total wrist arthrodesis. Patients profit from a higher physical and mental quality of life.