Arthroscopic Radiocarpal Interposition Arthroplasty with Brachioradialis

Abstract

Introduction: Wrist osteoarthritis is a highly frequent pathology, which involves multiple symptoms that lead to absenteeism from work and progressive functional alterations. Currently, there are ample treatment options, mainly surgical, some of them with secondary loss of strength and range of motion. This is why we present an innovative surgical technique that could serve as a reproducible and viable option in patients with this type of pathology.
Materials and methods: A technique for arthroscopic radiocarpal interposition arthroplasty is described, using a brachioradialis tendon flap as a substrate, for patients with wrist osteoarthritis due to multiple causes; The findings of the short-term follow-up of two patients operated on with this technique are presented.

Discussion: In the current literature there are multiple techniques for the treatment of radiocarpal osteoarthritis, each of them depending on the underlying cause of the osteoarthritis and its clinical characteristics; however, the most used techniques such as intercarpal arthrodesis, total wrist arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy present some complications such as loss of mobility, loss of strength or secondary radiocapitated osteoarthritis. This is why we developed a technique that in the short term shows an acceptable range of joint mobility, with preservation of strength and considerable improvement in pain.
Conclusions: We present the short-term results of a technique that promises to be a viable, reproducible and useful option as part of the therapeutic options in the treatment of wrist osteoarthritis.