Component alignment in total wrist arthroplasty: success rate of surgeons in their first cases.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the probability of achieving a satisfactory alignment in the performance of a first wrist arthroplasty. METHODS: The total wrist arthroplasties (ReMotion®) of 14 wrists of 7 corpses performed by 14 inexperienced surgeons were reviewed radiologically. Radial component alignment in the posteroanterior view (RCA-PA), radial component alignment in the lateral view (RCA-Lat), carpal component alignment in the posteroanterior view (CCA-PA) and carpal component alignment in lateral view (CCA-Lat) were measured. RESULTS: Mean RCA-PA angle was 9.6º, mean RCA-Lat angle 4.6º, mean CCA-PA angle 4.4º and mean CCA-Lat angle 10.1º. None of the arthroplasties had a satisfactory alignment. CONCLUSION: It is difficult for an inexperienced surgeon to achieve a correct component alignment in his/her first total wrist arthroplasty, especially in the carpal component. Therefore, we recommend that the position of the prosthesis is confirmed before securing it to the bone with the help of X-ray images.