When Rheumatoid Disease affects the wrist, it may only result in damage to the radiocarpal joint--allowing motion at the midcarpal joint after a partial fusion only. This is a motion-preserving alternative to complete wrist fusion and wrist replacement. Even though both of these options result in improved fuction, complete fusion limits wrist motion, and replacement is accompanied by a higher complication rate.
After fusion between the radius and the lunate and scaphoid, pain goes away and functional flexion and extension are possible.
During your evaluation, xrays will reveal whether you are a candidate for a partial wrist fusion, and we will discuss the pros and cons of the other alternatives as well.
