Wrist Arthritis
Degenerative or post-traumatic change in the wrist can cause pain, stiffness, weakness and loss of load-bearing tolerance.
Causes
Wrist arthritis may develop after previous fracture, scapholunate instability, scaphoid nonunion, inflammatory disease or primary degenerative change.
Symptoms
Pain with loading, reduced motion, swelling, weakness and mechanical clicking or grinding can occur.
Diagnosis
Examination identifies the painful region and motion pattern. X-rays show which joints are affected and help distinguish patterns such as SLAC or SNAC wrist.
Non-operative treatment
Activity modification, splinting, hand therapy, anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate and selective injection may help control symptoms.
Surgery
Options depend on the pattern and remaining cartilage. Procedures can include denervation, partial fusion, proximal row carpectomy, total fusion or arthroplasty in selected circumstances.
Choosing a procedure
The right operation balances pain relief, motion, strength, occupation and the specific joints that remain healthy.