Bilateral Isolated Third Metacarpophalageal Arthritis at Long-Term Follow Up After Bilateral Wrist Fusion

Abstract

Total wrist fusion is an established surgical option for the management of severe wrist arthritis. Long-term sequelae of wrist fusion are numerous and incompletely understood. The following case documents a patient who developed third metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthritis following radiocarpal wrist fusion with a plate and screw construct from the radius to the third metacarpal. An MCP arthroplasty was subsequently performed and outcomes reported. This case report outlines the need for further study of the force transmission through and motion of the MCP joint following a radiocarpal wrist arthrodesis.