Background: Total wrist arthroplasty is still a rare procedure. This issue is being discussed controversially, particular in German-speaking countries. Lately, its acceptance has risen, especially as an alternative to wrist fusion regarding treatment of panarthritis or similar pathologies. Previous arthroplasty designs had short survival spans and devastating complications.
The current situation: Currently, these problems have been reduced by the development of fourth generation arthroplasty systems. Nowadays, survival spans of 10 years and more can be seen on a regular basis. The development of hemi-arthroplasty may be of interest, especially for traumatic destruction of the distal radius. This review outlines the current state of wrist arthroplasty and is based on the author's 15 years of experience.
Keywords: Arthrosis; Carpal bones; Hemiarthroplasty; Joint replacement; Radius.