Total wrist arthroplasty with Destot prostheses in patients with posttraumatic arthritis.

PURPOSE To analyze the functional and radiologic results after Destot arthroplasty, a wrist prosthesis designed for posttraumatic arthritis, and to define the indications for the use of the implant. METHODS Using the Meuli point score system, 28 Destot total-wrist arthroplasties in 25 patients with stage 2 or 3 scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse and scapholunate advanced collapse were evaluated for 12 to 96 months after surgery. RESULTS The overall ratings of the study group were excellent in 17 cases, good in 6, fair in 1, and poor in 4. Eighty-four percent showed improved range of motion and grip strength. Four patients experienced postoperative complications. No imbalance or dislocation was noted after surgery. CONCLUSIONS The Destot implant seems to be a good solution to restore functional range of motion after posttraumatic wrist arthritis when arthrodesis is required by nonmanual laborers older than 50 years of age.