Outcomes of Revision Total Wrist Arthroplasty

In this study, we analyzed the outcomes of revision total wrist arthroplasty done over a 40-year period. During this period, 76 consecutive revision total wrist arthroplasties were done in 69 patients with a mean age of 56 and a follow-up of 10.3 years. Patients commonly experienced pain relief, with 58 (91%) experiencing no or mild pain postoperatively. There was no statistically significant change in flexion or extension, but a statistically significant decrease in ulnar deviation and a corresponding increase in radial deviation. However, a high rate of complications and repeat revision surgery were observed. The primary indications for a repeat revision surgery were distal loosening (n = 11), proximal loosening (n = 1), deformity and pain (n = 8), periprosthetic infection (n = 3), dislocation (n = 2), subluxation (n = 1), intraoperative fracture (n = 1), and suspected metal allergy (n = 1). Complications were distal loosening (n = 15), proximal loosening (n = 3), dislocation (n = 7), intraoperative fracture (n = 7), postoperative fracture (n = 2), and component fracture (n = 3). When advising the patient, clear information must be given about the high rate of complications connected with revision arthroplasty and the risk of further revision, eventually leading to total wrist fusion.