Abstract
The aim of synovectomy-stabilization (synovectomy combined with the Sauvé–Kapandji procedure) of the rheumatoid wrist is to obtain a stable painless wrist, retaining enough mobility for function. Thirty-nine wrists were retrospectively examined, at a mean follow up of 64.8 months. The improvement in pain was very significant. We noticed a decrease in wrist motion affecting both flexion and radial deviation. The arthritic change in the wrist continued to increase. We noticed a mean ulnar shift of 2.2 mm and a mean increase in the radial deviation of the wrist of 7°. Only transfer of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon was effective in correcting radial deviation of the carpus. Ninety-seven per cent of patients were very satisfied or satisfied. These encouraging results, even at advanced stages of wrist arthritis, have prompted us to lessen the indications for wrist arthrodesis.
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