Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
+44-20-4587-4809
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
+44-20-4587-4809
Firas K Elherik, Liam Yapp and Steffen J Breusch
New Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Rheumatology (Sunnyvale)
Statement of the problem: Wrist arthrodesis offers high success rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; however, loss of residual mobility may cause unnecessary disability. This makes wrist denervation an appealing alternative. However, there is a distinct lack of patient-reported outcome measure studies comparing these two procedures. The aim of this study was to report any change in function, pain and satisfaction following wrist arthrodesis compared to denervation in a single surgeon series of rheumatoid patients. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The results of 16 wrist arthrodesis in 15 patients and 14 partial (PIN) wrist denervation�??s in 13 patients were compared with a mean follow-up period of 39 and 22 months, respectively. The primary outcome measures were the same for both groups and included the validated patient-rated wrist evaluation questionnaire and a satisfaction questionnaire. Findings: Wrist arthrodesis significantly improved the mean total pain and functional outcome scores by 54 and 36%, respectively, at the time of follow-up. Wrist denervation patients also reported significant improvements of 44 and 42% in total pain and functional outcomes, respectively; 87% reported being very satisfied with their wrist arthrodesis procedure compared to 78% in the denervation group. Conclusion & Significance: Compared to arthrodesis, PIN denervation is a simple and fast intervention which offers comparable pain relief and functional benefit without the requirement for postoperative immobilisation, thus resulting in a rapid recovery. No statistically significant difference in response between the groups was observed in this series of patients.
E-mail: felherik@hotmail.co.uk