Mid-Carpal Hemiarthroplasty

Wrist arthritis, whether caused by trauma, instability, or inflammatory arthropathy, is one of the most common conditions treated by hand surgeons. The manage­ ment of wrist arthritis varies with the severity and etiology of the pathology, with the common goal of achieving pain­ free function. The progressive nature of arthritis dictates that while any number of conservative treatments may be effective in relieving symptoms, continued loading of an arthritic joint will result in the need for further intervention. In patients with painful and dysfunctional arthritic wrists who have failed conser va­ tive management, surgical interventions are generally grouped into one of three surgical categories: ablation, arthrodesis, or arthroplasty. Each option has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.