Complete Wrist Fusion

In cases of severe wrist arthritis, it is sometimes necessary to perform a complete wrist fusion.  Bone graft is obtained from the distal radius and packed around the joints within the wrist.  A plate is applied on the top of the wrist to stabilize the joints and allow them to fuse.  Though this procedure eliminates all flexion, extension, and side-to-side deviation, it still allows pronation and supination and in that way can be functional.